According to the Law on Aliens of the Republic of Albania, foreign citizens arriving in the country, regardless of the duration of the visit, must have health insurance. Foreigners who enter Albania for humanitarian reasons are exempt from the requirement to have an insurance policy.
This publication provides information on the requirements of Albanian legislation for the insurance of foreign citizens who enter the country during the pandemic for a short period or apply for a residence permit in Albania. It also lists the requirements for obtaining an insurance policy and the algorithm of actions in the event of an insured event.
Requirements for an insurance policy for entry into Albania.
The prices for medical care in Albania are low, but receiving high-quality qualified care in a paid clinic with modern equipment is only possible with an international insurance policy.
Such a policy must meet the following requirements:
- be available in printed form during customs and passport control upon entry;
cover the entire period of stay in Albania; - the policy must not contain a deductible.
Insurance for foreign workers in Albania.
Albania has a mixed health insurance model consisting of mandatory and voluntary contributions. It is based on the single-payer model — employers and employees make contributions to the Compulsory Health Insurance Fund [Fondit të sigurimit të detyrueshëm të kujdesit shëndetësor në Republikën e Shqipërisë] (CHIF), which enters into annual contracts with public and private health care providers. Compulsory health insurance covers examinations and treatment in hospitals and reimbursement of medications, the list of which is compiled by the CHIF.
According to Article 7 of the Law on Social Security of the Republic of Albania, the social security system applies to:
- Foreigners working for Albanian employers;
- Foreign workers working for non-Albanian employers in Albania, provided that they do not benefit from another, more favorable social security system.
The employer, regardless of the form of ownership, must provide health insurance to employees, even if they do not work full-time.
When obtaining a work permit in Albania, foreign citizens must provide, among other documents, a contract with the employer and documents confirming the availability of health insurance.
Once you have completed your policy online, all you have to do is print it out: All visa centres and consulates of foreign countries accept printed electronic versions.
Procedure in case of an insured event.
- Notify the insurance company or assistance service by phone within 24 hours, write down the request number. If the insured event occurred outside working hours, you can send a written request by e-mail;
- Call an ambulance at 127. Ambulance care is provided to all patients, regardless of citizenship;
- Medicines should be purchased within 3 days after a visit to the doctor. Otherwise, the cost of medications may not be reimbursed;
- In the absence of an urgent need for medical care, it is recommended to contact a medical institution yourself.
IMPORTANT! Do not contact medical institutions (hotel doctors) before receiving approval from the assistance company. You will have to pay for such visits yourself and there is a high risk that these costs will not be reimbursed by the insurance company in the future.
Where can I get free medical care.
For free medical care in Albania, you can contact the International Federation of the Red Cross: Rruga «Muhammet Gjollesha», Sheshi «Karl Topia», 1511 Tirana, (355) (42) 225855 / 257532.
Medicine in Albania. Cost of medical services.
Medical care is free for the entire population, but the level of medical care remains very low. Traditional and paid medicine is developed in the country. The entire health care system suffers from a shortage of drugs and qualified doctors.
Most clinics have outdated medical equipment. At the same time, a network of private clinics is currently actively developing in Albania, mainly with Italian and Greek capital, where you can get qualified medical care.
Clinics and hospitals.
Acceptable quality medical care can only be provided in clinics in large cities. In the city of Tirana there is the Luigi Monti Clinic, which is located at the following address: Kavajska Street 120, tel. +042 23-20-21. The telephone number of the children’s clinic’s reception area is: +042 36-34-79.
There is an emergency clinic in the city of Vlora, the emergency room phone number is: +033 22-43-36).
There is a Municipal Hospital in the city of Durres, phone number: +052 22-22-22.
Pharmacies.
There are pharmacies in all cities of Albania, medicines are delivered to the country from Italy and Greece. The duty (24-hour) pharmacy is located in the city of Tirana at the address: Zogu Boulevard, 1, phone number: +042 22-22-41.
How much do medical services cost in Albania.
The price level is quite reasonable, the fee for a one-time visit to a specialist is about 500 lek, which is about 5 dollars.
Better quality medical care is provided in the following hospitals: Luigi Monti Clinic, Children’s Clinic, Emergency Clinic, Municipal Hospital.
Dangers for tourists in Albania.
In the global Living Life 2011 ranking of 192 countries with high living standards, Albania was ranked 52nd. The indicators that were rated highest were safety, climate and environment in Albania.
