Moldova’s healthcare system is supported by both public and private insurance schemes, each serving distinct roles while sharing some overlapping functions. Understanding their differences and similarities is crucial for residents, expatriates, and medical tourists alike.
Public Health Insurance in Moldova
The public health insurance system in Moldova is managed by the National Health Insurance Company (CNAM). It operates under a mandatory model, covering approximately 88% of the population. Funded through payroll contributions and government subsidies, the system aims to offer equitable access to healthcare services across the country.
Public insurance provides a standardized benefits package that includes primary care, emergency services, hospital treatments, and limited dental services. Importantly, vulnerable groups such as children, pensioners, and persons with disabilities receive automatic government-funded coverage. Moreover, even uninsured individuals can access free primary consultations.
However, significant limitations exist. A large portion of healthcare expenses—especially for prescription medicines and specialized treatments—are paid out-of-pocket, which accounted for 36% of Moldova’s total health expenditure in 2019. Rural populations may also face challenges in accessing timely care due to geographic disparities and limited infrastructure.
Private Health Insurance in Moldova
Private health insurance in Moldova complements the public system, offering individuals faster, more personalized care and broader service options. Leading providers include MOLDASIG, Medpark, German Diagnostic Center, and Medazur Med SPA, as well as international firms such as Allianz and Cigna.
Private plans typically provide access to high-end private clinics, shorter wait times, preventive services, and wellness packages. For example, Medpark delivers round-the-clock care at its modern facilities, while the German Diagnostic Center is known for advanced diagnostic technology. International providers add another layer, offering global coverage with high claim limits—an attractive option for expatriates or Moldovans seeking treatment abroad.
Yet, private insurance has its drawbacks. It often comes at a significantly higher cost and may be limited to specific provider networks. Some plans require upfront payments, and coverage for chronic or pre-existing conditions may be limited.
Similarities
Both public and private health insurance schemes aim to enhance healthcare access and improve health outcomes. Each system offers some level of coverage for primary care, hospitalization, and emergency services. Furthermore, both play a role in addressing Moldova’s broader health challenges, including prevention and treatment.
Key Differences
The primary distinction lies in access, service quality, and cost. The public system is more inclusive but limited in scope, while the private sector offers higher standards and flexibility at a premium. Public insurance is compulsory for most citizens, whereas private insurance is voluntary and typically used for supplemental or premium care.
Top Public Health Insurances in Moldova
Moldova has a single, centralized public health insurance system known as the Mandatory Health Insurance Fund (Fondul Asigurării Obligatorii de Asistență Medicală – FAOAM), managed by the National Health Insurance Company (Compania Națională de Asigurări în Medicină – CNAM). Unlike countries with multiple public insurers, Moldova operates under a universal insurance model where all contributions are pooled into a single state-managed fund. Since there is only one official public health insurance system in the country, we will focus solely on FAOAM and its components.
1. Mandatory Health Insurance Fund (FAOAM) – Administered by CNAM(Official website: https://cnam.md/)
- Cost:
The contribution rate is 9% of the insured individual’s income, usually split equally between employer and employee (4.5% each). For self-employed or uninsured individuals, a fixed annual premium is available and varies depending on the payment method and timing. For instance, early annual payments may receive discounts, costing around 4,056 MDL (~$230 USD) per year. - Available Services/Coverage Features:
FAOAM covers a wide range of medical services including:
- Primary care (family doctor consultations, diagnostics)
- Emergency medical assistance
- Specialized outpatient services
- Inpatient hospital treatment
- Maternity and neonatal care
- Select chronic disease management (e.g., diabetes, hypertension)
- Vaccinations and preventive screenings
- Partial or full coverage of essential medications
- Primary care (family doctor consultations, diagnostics)
- Certain services, like cosmetic procedures or premium-level hospitalization, may require out-of-pocket payment or supplementary plans.
- Open for All or Limited:
The system is open to all Moldovan citizens and legal residents, with special provisions for vulnerable populations. Individuals such as retirees, children, students, the unemployed, and persons with disabilities are typically insured by the government without direct contribution.
Foreigners residing in Moldova long-term are eligible but may be required to purchase the fixed annual policy or demonstrate employer-based contributions. - Core Financial Features:
- Government-subsidized premiums for specific groups (e.g., low-income individuals, children, elderly)
- No co-payment for primary and emergency care
- Coverage includes generic and some brand-name medications from a government-approved list
- Out-of-pocket expenses are still significant for certain specialty medications and diagnostic services not listed in the core package
- Government-subsidized premiums for specific groups (e.g., low-income individuals, children, elderly)
- Consumer Satisfaction Score:
Based on available surveys and public sentiment (e.g., CNAM annual reports, independent NGO studies), the consumer satisfaction score generally ranges from 3.5 to 4.0 out of 5.
Strengths often cited include accessible emergency care and availability of family physicians, while weaknesses include long waiting times for specialist consultations, underfunded rural clinics, and occasional shortages of essential medicines.
Top Private Health Insurances in Moldova
While Moldova’s healthcare system is primarily centered around its public insurance scheme, private health insurance is an emerging market, particularly popular among expatriates, business professionals, and Moldovans seeking faster access to premium services. The sector is still developing, and only a few private health insurers are currently active in the country, often offering policies as part of broader life or accident insurance packages.
Here are the most prominent private health insurance providers in Moldova:
1. Grawe Carat Asigurări S.A.
- Cost:
Plans typically range from 2,500 to 10,000 MDL/year (~$140–$560 USD) depending on age, health status, and coverage level. - Available Services/Coverage Features:
Grawe Carat offers packages that include:
- Outpatient consultations
- Diagnostic tests (including imaging and lab work)
- Inpatient care in private clinics
- Emergency medical coverage
- Optional dental and vision add-ons
- Outpatient consultations
- Open for All or Limited:
Available to all Moldovan residents and foreigners, subject to medical underwriting. - Core Financial Features:
Co-payments apply for some services; comprehensive packages are offered with varying levels of deductible. - Consumer Satisfaction Score:
4.2/5, praised for access to private clinics and short waiting times. Some users note limitations in rural area partnerships.
2. Moldasig S.A.(Official website: https://moldasig.md/)
- Cost:
Premiums generally range between 3,000 to 8,000 MDL/year (~$170–$450 USD). - Available Services/Coverage Features:
Offers coverage for:
- Preventive services
- Specialist consultations
- Hospitalization
- Surgeries in private medical institutions
- Optional trauma and accident care
- Preventive services
- Open for All or Limited:
Open to individuals and corporate groups. Corporate group plans are more comprehensive. - Core Financial Features:
Offers tiered plans with adjustable co-pays and annual coverage limits (usually up to 50,000 MDL/year). - Consumer Satisfaction Score:
3.9/5, appreciated for affordability and good urban coverage; some complaints about claim processing time.
3. Donaris VIG (Vienna Insurance Group)
- Cost:
Premiums start at approximately 2,800 MDL/year (~$160 USD) and increase based on age and selected benefits. - Available Services/Coverage Features:
- Comprehensive health and accident insurance
- Full inpatient and outpatient services
- International coverage options
- Psychological and rehabilitative services in premium plans
- Comprehensive health and accident insurance
- Open for All or Limited:
Available for individuals, families, and companies. Some limitations based on pre-existing conditions. - Core Financial Features:
Offers both capped and unlimited annual coverage; reimbursements available for international care. - Consumer Satisfaction Score:
4.3/5, frequently rated high for its international network and multilingual customer support.
4. General Asigurări
- Cost:
Pricing begins around 3,200 MDL/year (~$180 USD) and can vary significantly based on plan customization. - Available Services/Coverage Features:
- Routine check-ups and diagnostics
- Emergency medical transportation
- Hospitalization in top-tier private clinics
- Day surgeries and recovery services
- Routine check-ups and diagnostics
- Open for All or Limited:
Primarily geared towards corporate clients but available for individuals upon request. - Core Financial Features:
Offers fixed packages with options to add international travel health insurance. - Consumer Satisfaction Score:
4.0/5, users highlight excellent customer service but mention narrow provider networks in some regions.
5. Transelit Asigurări
- Cost:
Offers budget-friendly plans starting at 2,000 MDL/year (~$110 USD), with premium packages going up to 6,000 MDL/year (~$340 USD). - Available Services/Coverage Features:
- Outpatient and inpatient treatment
- Preventive medical screenings
- Emergency services
- Basic dental care in premium plans
- Outpatient and inpatient treatment
- Open for All or Limited:
Plans are available to all, with medical screening required for applicants over a certain age. - Core Financial Features:
Packages have flexible premiums, limited co-pays, and annual caps generally around 40,000 MDL. - Consumer Satisfaction Score:
3.8/5, known for low-cost options and solid support, though limited service coverage in smaller towns.
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