Stad
Tirana
The capital: a fast-changing city of painted blocks, Ottoman survivals and new towers, under Mount Dajti.
In gewone taal
Albania has public hospitals and private clinics. Public care is cheap for people who pay into the national insurance scheme, but it is under-resourced. Most foreign residents use private clinics and carry insurance. For serious or complex illness, many Albanians travel abroad.
Eenvoudige uitleg
Albania has public hospitals and private clinics. Public care is cheap for people who pay into the national insurance scheme, but it is under-resourced. Most foreign residents use private clinics and carry insurance. For serious or complex illness, many Albanians travel abroad.
Not medical advice
This page describes how the system is organised. It is not medical advice and it is not a recommendation about where to seek treatment.
How the public system works
Healthcare is funded through the compulsory health insurance fund, with primary care delivered by health centres and family doctors, and hospital care organised regionally with the university hospital centre in Tirana at the apex. Registered residents who contribute are entitled to care; charges and coverage for non-contributors differ.
The system is chronically under-funded by European standards, informal payments have been widely documented, and equipment and staffing vary sharply between Tirana and the regions.
Private care
Private hospitals and clinics have grown quickly, concentrated in Tirana. They are used by most foreign residents and by Albanians who can afford them. Costs are far below western European levels but are paid up front or through insurance.
Some private facilities have international accreditation; check specifics rather than assuming a standard.
Pharmacies and emergencies
Pharmacies are widespread and pharmacists are a normal first stop for minor complaints. Many medicines available on prescription elsewhere are obtainable over the counter, which is convenient and also a reason to be careful.
The emergency number is 112. Ambulance response times vary greatly between Tirana and rural areas.
For visitors and residents from abroad
Albania is not in the EU, so the European Health Insurance Card does not apply. Travel or expatriate health insurance is essential, and cover should be checked specifically for repatriation and for the difference between visitor and resident status.
Verwante onderwerpen
Dit zijn echte verbanden in de Atlas — plaatsen die dicht bij deze liggen en onderwerpen waar deze pagina werkelijk bij hoort. Niets hier is een algemene aanbeveling.
Verwante onderwerpen
Gids
Moving to Albania
What the move actually involves: entry, residence, registration, banking, housing and the things people underestimate.
Gids
Retiring in Albania
Why retirees look at Albania, what the practical constraints are, and the questions to answer before deciding.
Gids
Albania with Children
Sand beaches in the centre and north, short drives, and a culture that is genuinely welcoming to children.
Gids
Safety in Albania
Low levels of violent crime against visitors, a poor road-safety record, and a reputation shaped more by organised…
Vergelijking
Albania vs Portugal for Retirement
A cost comparison that flatters Albania, and a healthcare and residency comparison that does not.
Bronnen
Deze pagina is uitsluitend gebaseerd op de gecureerde inventaris; er is nog geen externe bron aan gekoppeld.
Iets onjuist op deze pagina? Correcties zijn welkom en worden gecontroleerd aan de hand van de bronregistratie. Laat ons weten wat onjuist is en, indien mogelijk, waar het juiste cijfer vandaan komt.