Ukraine’s health insurance landscape in 2025 features both a comprehensive public system and a growing private sector. Each serves distinct purposes, yet they share some overlapping functions and goals. Understanding their differences and similarities provides valuable insight into healthcare access, cost, and quality in Ukraine’s unique socio-political context.
Public Health Insurance: Universal Access Amid Conflict
Ukraine’s public healthcare system is primarily funded and managed through the National Health Service of Ukraine (NHSU), which administers the Medical Guarantees Program. This program guarantees access to 44 essential service packages, including primary care, emergency services, maternity care, chronic disease management, and hospitalization. Services are mostly free at the point of care, especially when accessed through referrals from family doctors.
The referral-based system acts as a gatekeeper, helping manage specialist workloads and streamline patient flow. Although some services—particularly those accessed without referrals—require payment, the government continues efforts to expand free access. Recent reforms, such as the Healthcare System Development Strategy 2030, aim to ensure universal coverage, improve care quality, and modernize infrastructure. However, war-related disruptions, resource shortages, and attacks on facilities remain significant challenges.
Private Health Insurance: Speed, Choice, and Supplementary Coverage
In contrast, private health insurance in Ukraine caters primarily to middle- and upper-income individuals, expatriates, and international travelers. It serves as a complement to the public system, offering faster specialist access, broader provider networks, and coverage for elective or non-covered procedures.
Top providers such as PZU Ukraine, AXA Ukraine, UNIQA, INGO, and ARX Insurance offer policies that typically include outpatient and inpatient services, diagnostics, dental care, maternity, and even international travel coverage. These plans are paid for out-of-pocket or by employers, with premiums varying based on age, health status, and scope of coverage. Demand for private insurance is increasing due to rising health awareness and public system limitations.
Key Differences
- Funding: Public insurance is state-funded through taxes and international aid, while private insurance relies on individual or employer-paid premiums.
- Access Model: Public care requires referrals and is generally slower; private care offers direct access to specialists and reduced wait times.
- Cost Structure: Public services are mostly free; private care includes premiums and potential co-payments.
- Target Demographic: The public system is universal; the private sector targets those who can afford additional services or require international coverage.
Core Similarities
Despite their differences, both systems aim to enhance healthcare accessibility and outcomes. Each plays a role in Ukraine’s evolving medical landscape—public insurance guarantees essential services, while private insurance offers personalization and efficiency. Moreover, both systems increasingly depend on digital solutions and international support to strengthen service delivery amid ongoing challenges.
Top Public Health Insurances in Ukraine: Coverage, Costs, and Consumer Insights
Ukraine operates under a predominantly public healthcare system, with health insurance reforms implemented in recent years to improve accessibility and service quality. The public health insurance model in Ukraine is primarily state-funded and centralized, with limited providers involved. While Ukraine does not have multiple competing public health insurers like in some Western countries, it operates one main public health scheme under the Ministry of Health. Here is an overview of the country’s principal public health insurance program and its core characteristics:
1. State Guaranteed Medical Benefit Package (Program of Medical Guarantees – PMG)(Official website: https://nszu.gov.ua/)
Cost:
The State Guaranteed Medical Benefit Package is funded entirely by the Ukrainian government through tax revenues. For Ukrainian citizens and residents, there are no monthly premiums. Patients pay nothing for covered services at public health institutions, though some out-of-pocket costs may be required for non-covered services, medications, or private hospital options.
Available Services/Coverage Features:
The PMG ensures access to a broad range of healthcare services, including:
- Primary healthcare (family doctors, general practitioners, pediatricians)
- Emergency medical services
- Outpatient specialist consultations
- Inpatient treatments and surgeries
- Prenatal care and childbirth
- Diagnostic tests (e.g., x-rays, ultrasounds)
- Cancer care and treatment of cardiovascular diseases
- COVID-19-related treatments and diagnostics
Coverage continues to expand as the system evolves. A growing number of services are fully reimbursed by the National Health Service of Ukraine (NHSU), especially for high-priority medical conditions.
Open for All or Limited:
The PMG is universally available to all Ukrainian citizens and registered residents. Internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees from conflict zones within Ukraine are also covered under the program. Non-residents, tourists, or temporary foreign visitors must rely on private insurance or pay out-of-pocket.
Core Financial Features:
- Financing Mechanism: The program is centrally funded through general taxation and administered by the NHSU.
- No Premiums: Citizens do not pay monthly health insurance premiums.
- Co-payments: Minimal to none for covered services at accredited facilities; however, unofficial payments (i.e., under-the-table fees) remain a challenge in some areas.
- Medication Costs: Some medications are covered under the Affordable Medicines Program, but many still require out-of-pocket payment.
Consumer Satisfaction Score:
While satisfaction with the public health system in Ukraine is moderate, recent reforms have improved transparency, digitalization (eHealth services), and access to care. According to various domestic surveys and WHO-backed reports, the consumer satisfaction score for the PMG system is estimated at 3.4 out of 5. Users appreciate the elimination of many informal payments and better-defined entitlements, though concerns persist regarding:
- Wait times
- Quality disparity between urban and rural areas
- Limited access to high-tech medical services without co-payment
Top Private Health Insurance Providers in Ukraine: Costs, Coverage, and Customer Satisfaction
In Ukraine, private health insurance plays a growing role in supplementing the publicly funded healthcare system, especially among middle- and upper-income individuals and expatriates. Private health insurance offers faster access to care, higher service quality, and coverage at private clinics and hospitals. While the private health insurance market is still developing, several companies offer competitive plans tailored for individuals, families, and corporate clients. Below are the top private health insurers currently operating in Ukraine:
1. UNIQA Ukraine(Official website: https://www.uniqa.ua/)
Cost:
Premiums range from UAH 10,000 to UAH 40,000 per year (approx. $250 to $1,000 USD), depending on age, health status, and chosen coverage level.
Available Services/Coverage Features:
- Outpatient and inpatient care
- Specialist consultations
- Diagnostic tests and imaging
- Emergency care
- Dental services (optional add-on)
- Maternity services
- Rehabilitation and preventive care
Open for All or Limited:
Open to individuals, families, and corporate clients. Some restrictions may apply based on pre-existing conditions or age.
Core Financial Features:
- Monthly or annual payment options
- Coverage includes both public and private medical institutions
- Direct billing arrangements with partner clinics
- Co-payments minimal or waived depending on the plan tier
Consumer Satisfaction Score:
4.3 out of 5 – UNIQA is well-regarded for its wide network of private clinics, responsive customer service, and clear reimbursement policies.
2. ARX Insurance (Formerly AXA Ukraine)(Official website: https://arx.ua/)
Cost:
Annual premiums range from UAH 8,000 to UAH 35,000 (approx. $200 to $875 USD), depending on coverage tier.
Available Services/Coverage Features:
- Preventive check-ups and routine diagnostics
- Access to private hospitals and specialists
- Emergency transportation
- Surgery and hospitalization
- Mental health and psychologist visits (in premium plans)
Open for All or Limited:
Open to all residents and citizens. Pre-existing conditions are reviewed, and exclusions may apply.
Core Financial Features:
- Premiums paid quarterly or annually
- Cashless services in partner medical facilities
- Reimbursement available for out-of-network care
- Customizable plans for corporate clients
Consumer Satisfaction Score:
4.1 out of 5 – Known for reliability and transparency, though some users report delays in claim processing.
3. PZU Ukraine(Official website: https://pzu.ua/)
Cost:
Plans typically cost between UAH 9,000 to UAH 30,000 annually (approx. $225 to $750 USD), depending on services selected.
Available Services/Coverage Features:
- Full medical exams
- Specialist visits and diagnostic procedures
- Inpatient care
- Maternity care and childbirth (optional coverage)
- Post-hospitalization care and rehabilitation
Open for All or Limited:
Available to individuals and corporate clients. Some restrictions for those with chronic conditions.
Core Financial Features:
- Offers family discounts
- Reimbursement or direct payments to clinics
- Emergency support line available 24/7
Consumer Satisfaction Score:
4.0 out of 5 – Customers appreciate the ease of appointment booking and clarity of coverage, but some desire more flexible plan options.
4. Providna Insurance Company(Official website: https://providna.ua/)
Cost:
Prices range from UAH 6,000 to UAH 25,000 annually (approx. $150 to $625 USD).
Available Services/Coverage Features:
- Primary care and diagnostics
- Emergency and ambulance services
- Hospitalization and surgical care
- Vaccinations and screenings
- Corporate wellness programs
Open for All or Limited:
Primarily targets group and corporate clients but individual plans are available.
Core Financial Features:
- Extensive direct billing network
- Tiered pricing based on services
- Discounts for multi-year contracts or large groups
Consumer Satisfaction Score:
3.9 out of 5 – Praised for affordability and decent service quality; minor complaints involve slower customer support response times.
5. Ingo Ukraine Insurance(Official website: https://ingo.ua/)
Cost:
Typical premiums range from UAH 7,000 to UAH 28,000 per year (approx. $175 to $700 USD).
Available Services/Coverage Features:
- General and specialist care
- Diagnostic imaging
- Emergency room visits
- Hospitalization and surgery
- Specialized packages for children and the elderly
Open for All or Limited:
Open to individuals and businesses; custom group plans available.
Core Financial Features:
- Competitive premium structure
- Minimal out-of-pocket expenses at partner clinics
- Easy-to-use mobile platform for claims and booking
Consumer Satisfaction Score:
4.2 out of 5 – Clients like the digital tools and convenience; occasional complaints about paperwork processing delays.
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