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Healthcare and Health Insurance in Albania | Expat Exchange
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15 Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare in Albania

By Joshua Wood, LPC

Last updated on Jan 05, 2024

Summary: The quality of medical care in Albania is generally considered to be lower than in the United States. Emergency services are available, but may be limited in some areas. To call for an ambulance, you can dial the emergency number 112.

William Russell
William Russell
William Russell
William Russell

How are healthcare services Albania?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Albania, they replied:

"Healthcare services in Albania are provided by both public and private institutions. The public healthcare system is funded by the government and is available to all citizens and foreign residents. The quality of public healthcare in Albania is generally considered to be good, with a wide range of services available. Expats in Albania can access the public healthcare system by registering with the local health authority and obtaining a health card. This card allows them to access the same services as Albanian citizens, including primary care, specialist care, and hospital services. Expats may also choose to use private healthcare services, which are generally more expensive but offer a higher standard of care," wrote one expat.

What are medical services in Albania like?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Albania, they replied:

"Albania has a public healthcare system that provides basic medical services to its citizens. The country also has a number of private hospitals and clinics that offer more specialized services. The quality of medical care in Albania is generally good, with many doctors and nurses having received training abroad. The country has a number of modern medical facilities, including several state-of-the-art hospitals. In addition, Albania has a number of pharmacies that provide a wide range of medications," mentioned one expat in Albania.

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Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Albania?

"Healthcare and health insurance in Albania can be expensive, depending on the type of coverage and services needed. Generally, public healthcare is available at a low cost, but the quality of care may not be as high as private healthcare. Private health insurance is available, but it can be costly and may not cover all medical expenses. Additionally, many Albanians may not be able to afford health insurance, leaving them with limited access to healthcare," remarked one expat in Albania.

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What are emergency services like in Albania?

When we asked about emergency services, members in Albania wrote:

"In Albania, emergency services are provided by the Albanian Emergency Service (AES). The AES provides medical, fire, and rescue services. To call for an ambulance, you can dial the emergency number 112. This number is free of charge and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The AES also provides a mobile app that can be used to call for an ambulance," said an expat in Albania.

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Will I need to travel to see a specialist?

"In Albania, some of the cities with the best selection of medical specialists include Tirana, Durres, and Elbasan. Additionally, the coastal region of Durres is known for having a wealth of medical specialists in a variety of specialties, including orthopedics, cardiology, and plastic surgery. Other areas of Albania that are known for their abundance of highly qualified specialists include Shkodra, Korca, and Vlora," wrote an expat living in Albania.

Are common prescription medications available in Albania?

"Prescription medications are available in Albania, although the availability of certain medications may vary depending on the region. Pharmacies in Albania are required to carry a wide range of medications, including those for common illnesses such as colds and flu, as well as more specialized medications for chronic conditions. In addition, many pharmacies also offer over-the-counter medications. However, it is important to note that some medications may require a prescription from a doctor in order to be purchased," said one expat.

Do you have anything more to add about local medical facilities in Albania?

"The medical facilities in Albania have significantly improved over the past few decades. Recent reports suggest that public health care centers are well-equipped with modern facilities and technologies to provide comprehensive health care services. The quality of medical care in Albania has also increased considerably, with doctors and nurses well-versed in the latest medical advancements and techniques. On the whole, Albania can offer adequate medical care for its population," remarked one expat living in Albania.

As a foreigner living in Albania, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?

"Yes, as a foreigner living in Albania, you will have access to public healthcare. The quality of care varies depending on the region, but overall the public healthcare system is considered to be of good quality. The public healthcare system is free for all citizens and residents, and there are a number of hospitals and clinics throughout the country. The public healthcare system is also supplemented by a number of private healthcare providers, which offer more specialized services," remarked one expat living in Albania.

What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?

We asked expats in Albania if they have access to public healthcare in Albania. And, if they do have access, what is it like. They wrote...

"The pandemic has had a significant impact on the healthcare system in Albania. The government has implemented a number of measures to protect the public, including the closure of schools, the suspension of public events, and the introduction of a nationwide curfew. The healthcare system has also been affected, with hospitals and clinics struggling to cope with the increased demand for medical services. The government has provided additional funding to the healthcare system to help it cope with the pandemic, but the system is still under strain. Many healthcare workers have been working long hours and have had to make difficult decisions about which patients to prioritize. Despite the challenges, the healthcare system in Albania has been able to provide essential services to those in need," wrote an expat living in Albania.

What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Albania?

We asked expat moms who gave birth in Albania about their experiences and advice they have for other moms to be. They said:

"1. Make sure to research the healthcare system in Albania and find a doctor or midwife that you trust and feel comfortable with. 2. Consider taking a childbirth education class to learn more about the birthing process and what to expect. 3. Ask your doctor or midwife about the availability of pain relief options during labor and delivery. 4. Make sure to have a plan for postpartum care, including a support system of family and friends who can help you with the transition to parenthood. 5. Consider joining a local expat group or online forum to connect with other expats who have had babies in Albania and can provide advice and support," said one expat in Albania.

Are healthcare services good in Albania?

We asked people if they have access to good medical care in Albania. They wrote:

"Healthcare services in Albania are provided by both public and private institutions. The public healthcare system is funded by the government and provides free or low-cost services to citizens. Private healthcare services are also available, but they are more expensive. The quality of healthcare services in Albania is generally good, with a wide range of medical specialists and modern medical equipment. The country has a number of hospitals and clinics, as well as a network of primary healthcare centers. In addition, Albania has a number of specialized medical centers, such as those for cancer treatment, mental health, and reproductive health," wrote a person living in Albania.

About the Author

Joshua Wood Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.

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