Overview
Macedonia has an ever-improving standard for obligatory state funded healthcare, which is available to all citizens and long-term residents completely free of charge. Private healthcare is also available throughout the country. Healthcare service in Macedonia are regulated by the Ministry of Health, and the Health Insurance Fund collects contributions, allocated disbursements, and oversees healthcare providers.
Macedonia Healthcare System
Universal public healthcare in Macedonia covers unlimited visits to your primary care physician as a resident as well as:
- Preventative Care
- Treatments
- Examinations
As previously mentioned, private healthcare is also available in Macedonia. Most private clinics are owned and operated by independent medical professionals. Most of the equipment and workers are funded by the doctors themselves, as well as contributions from private insurance. In 2014, Macedonia implemented a real-time eBooking system that significantly reduced wait times universally.
When traveling to Macedonia for a medical procedure, it is highly advised that you visit a private healthcare facility. The private facilities offer decreased waiting times as well as a higher level of care quality. Macedonia has 2 hospitals accredited by the Joint International Commission including the Clinical Hospital Acibadem Sistina in Skopje as well as the Specialized Hospital for Surgical Diseases Zan Mitrev Skopje also located in Skopje.
Top hospitals for medical tourism in Macedonia
- Clinical Hospital Acibadem Sistina: Founded in 2001 the Clinical Hospital Acibadem Sistina focuses on promoting healthcare as well as the overall quality of life for all patients across the globe.
- Specialized Hospital for Surgical Diseases Zan Mitrev Skopje: The Specialized Hospital for Surgical Diseases Zan Mitrev Skopje began operations in 1999 and had its first bypass surgery in a matter of months. This facility offers superior services in modern medicine, disease prevention, as well as the successful performance of complex surgeries.
- General Hospital Ohrev: The General Hospital Ohrev is a facility that strives to gain their patient’s trust as well as achieve and excel Europeans standards of healthcare. A wide range of treatments and specialties are available, making this hospital diverse enough to accommodate a wide range of medical tourists.
Common treatments done by medical tourists in Macedonia
- Dental Work
- Cardiac Care, Treatment and Rehabilitation
- Cosmetic Surgery
Cost of medical treatments in MAcedonia
The following are cost comparisons between Medical procedures in Macedonia and equivalent procedures in the United States:
| Medical Procedures |
|
| Procedure |
US Hospitals |
Cyprus |
Average Savings |
| Cosmetic Surgeries/Rhinoplasty |
$5,000-$10,000 |
$1,293 |
74%-87% |
| Breast Augmentation (standard) |
$9,162-$10,995 |
$3,410 |
62%-68% |
| Composite Dental Filling |
$120 |
$35 |
70%% |
Malpractice and liability laws in Macedonia
The Republic of Macedonia has its healthcare system regulated by the Ministry of Health. All equipment, services, and practices must fall under designated requirements and comply with the Ministry of Health (Macedonia) standards. Malpractice and liable enter the discussion when these strict requirements are not met.
Pros
Leading Dental Professionals
Dentists working in Macedonia provide low-cost treatments and cosmetic dentistry at rates unheard of by most surrounding countries. The professionals working in Macedonia took an industry and helped it reach an accredited level, and offer a wide variety of services. In the future, the country hopes to secure a leading position in the global dental tourism industry. JCI Accredited
Macedonia has 2 facilities that are accredited and recognized by the prestigious Joint Commission International. Other institutions in Macedonia are hard at work to gain this same accreditation. Low Cost
Most procedures and medical visits in Macedonia are an average of at least 65% less when compared to identical services offered in western nations such as the USA and Canada.
Cons
Tourism
Tourism has not been a large focus or part of the country’s overall strategy until recently. Tourists might be surprised to find that typical, standard amenities are not present during their stay. Wait Times
Although Macedonia implemented an automatic eBooking system, wait times are private hospitals are still a bit lengthy and this is only set to increase with the new focus on medical tourism.
Traveling to Macedonia
Average estimated travel time in hours
| From/To |
Macedonia |
| New York |
10 |
| Los Angeles |
16 |
| Miami |
13 |
| Toronto |
9.5 |
| Paraguay |
2 |
| Uruguay |
3 |
| Venezuela |
3 |
| Bolivia |
12 |
| Dubai |
5 |
| Riyadh |
4.5 |
| Kuwait |
3.5 |
| London |
3 |
Entry and exit requirements to Macedonia
You will need a valid passport with at least 6 months’ validity remaining. You do not need a visa for tourist or business trips provided they are less than 90 days within a 60-day period. Macedonia requires that all foreign citizens provided proof of health insurance when entering the country.
Statistics for medical tourism in Macedonia
There were approximately 998,000 tourists who entered Macedonia in 2017, with only a small percentage being there for medical purposes. There has been a growing initiative to place much more focus on medical tourism in the near future. Many expect medical tourism will be equated into the country’s overall economic strategy in order to secure their spot as a top European destination for medical tourists.