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Romania Health Care and Vaccinations
| Title | Special precautions |
|---|---|
| Diphtheria |
Sometimes |
| Hepatitis A |
Yes |
| Malaria |
No |
| Rabies |
Sometimes |
| Tetanus |
Yes |
| Typhoid |
Sometimes |
| Yellow Fever |
No |
Healthcare standards in Romania vary considerably between urban and rural areas. Large cities such as Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca and Timișoara have modern private hospitals and clinics offering good standards of care, while some public hospitals, particularly in smaller towns and rural regions, may be more limited in equipment and facilities.
Private healthcare has expanded significantly and is widely used by both locals and international visitors seeking shorter waiting times and higher standards of comfort. English-speaking doctors are commonly available in private clinics in major cities.
Public healthcare facilities can become crowded, and standards may vary depending on location. For serious or specialised medical conditions, some travellers may prefer private treatment where available.
Citizens of EU and EEA countries can access medically necessary state healthcare using a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) for UK visitors. However, comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended for all visitors.
Pharmacies are widespread throughout Romania, including in smaller towns. Many common medications are available without a prescription, though travellers should bring sufficient supplies of essential prescription medicines together with copies of prescriptions if necessary.
Tap water in Romania is generally safe to drink in major cities and towns, including Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca and Brașov. However, some visitors may prefer bottled water in rural areas or in buildings with older plumbing systems. Bottled water is inexpensive and widely available throughout the country.
Food hygiene standards are generally good in established restaurants, cafés and hotels, particularly in urban and tourist areas. Traditional Romanian food is often freshly prepared, and local markets selling produce, cheeses and meats remain an important part of daily life.
Visitors should exercise normal precautions when eating from roadside stalls or smaller establishments with uncertain hygiene standards. Fruit and vegetables purchased from markets should be washed before consumption.
Strong homemade spirits such as țuică and palincă can contain a high alcohol content, particularly in rural areas where homemade production remains common. Moderation is advisable when accepting drinks offered as part of local hospitality.
Petty crime such as pickpocketing, bag theft and scams may occur in busy tourist areas, railway stations and on public transport. Visitors should take normal precautions with valuables and remain cautious around unofficial taxi drivers or overly persistent street touts.
Romania has a significant population of brown bears in the Carpathian Mountains. While attacks are rare, hikers should follow local advice, avoid feeding wildlife and exercise caution in forested mountain areas where bears may be present.
Flooding can occasionally affect parts of the country after periods of heavy rain, particularly near rivers and in low-lying rural regions. Winter snow and ice may also disrupt transport in mountain areas.
Romania is generally politically stable, though demonstrations and protests occasionally occur in larger cities, particularly Bucharest. These are usually peaceful, but visitors should avoid large gatherings as a precaution.
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