Located in the Western Balkans, Albania is a country in transition — both economically and in terms of public services like healthcare. While Albania offers a universal public healthcare system, its infrastructure, funding, and quality of care are still evolving. At the same time, private healthcare and insurance options are growing, especially in urban areas and among the middle class and expatriate communities.
This article provides a comprehensive look at health insurance in Albania, exploring how the system works, who it covers, how private insurance fits in, and what residents and foreigners should expect when seeking medical care.
1. Overview of Albania’s Healthcare System
Albania operates a two-tiered healthcare system:
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A public healthcare system, funded by social security contributions and taxes, offering universal coverage
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A private healthcare sector, financed mainly through out-of-pocket payments and optional private insurance
Healthcare is administered by the Ministry of Health and Social Protection, which also oversees public hospitals, primary care clinics, and health policies.
2. Universal Healthcare in Albania
All Albanian citizens and legal residents have the right to access public healthcare services, which are generally free or heavily subsidized. The public system includes:
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Primary care services at community health centers
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Specialist consultations
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Emergency and hospital care
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Maternal and child health services
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Vaccinations and preventive programs
Despite universal access, the public system faces significant challenges, including:
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Outdated infrastructure
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Limited medical supplies
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Understaffing and low wages
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Long wait times in hospitals
Because of these issues, many Albanians opt for private care when they can afford it.
3. Health Insurance System in Albania
The public health insurance scheme is mandatory for all working citizens. It is managed by the Health Insurance Institute (HII), known locally as Instituti i Sigurimeve Shëndetësore (ISSH).
Funding Sources:
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Social contributions paid by employees and employers
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State budget allocations
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Contributions from the self-employed and pensioners
The health insurance scheme provides access to:
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Family doctors (GPs)
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Specialist services with referrals
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Hospital treatment
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Discounted prescription medications
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Maternity and neonatal care
To benefit, individuals must be registered and up to date with their contributions.
4. Who Is Covered?
The following groups are covered under the national health insurance:
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Employees (mandatory contributions)
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Pensioners and unemployed persons, subsidized by the state
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Children and students
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Persons with disabilities
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Low-income families, through social protection programs
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Self-employed, who pay their own contributions
Foreign residents may gain access through employment, voluntary contributions, or private insurance.
5. Health Insurance Card
All insured individuals receive a Health Insurance Card, which must be presented to:
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Family doctors (GPs)
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Pharmacies for subsidized medication
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Hospitals for specialized treatments
Without the card, patients may have to pay full prices for services or medications.
6. Private Healthcare in Albania
Private medical services in Albania are growing rapidly, particularly in:
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Tirana (the capital)
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Durrës
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Shkodër
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Vlora
Services offered in private clinics and hospitals include:
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Internal medicine and diagnostics
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Pediatric and gynecological care
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Dental care and surgery
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Cosmetic procedures
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Cardiology and oncology services
Private facilities are usually better equipped, offer shorter wait times, and provide personalized attention.
7. Private Health Insurance in Albania
Although not mandatory, private health insurance is increasingly popular, especially among:
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Urban middle-class professionals
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Business owners
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Foreign nationals and expats
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High-income families
Private insurance policies are typically offered by:
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Sigal Uniqa Group Austria
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Eurosig
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Intersig Vienna Insurance Group
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Albsig
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Sigma Interalbanian Vienna Insurance Group
8. What Does Private Insurance Cover?
Private health insurance plans vary by provider and plan, but usually include:
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Inpatient and outpatient treatment
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Specialist consultations without referral
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Emergency services
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Hospitalization in private clinics
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Diagnostic imaging (MRI, CT, ultrasound)
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Maternity and neonatal care
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Dental and vision care (as add-ons)
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Second medical opinions
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Coverage for chronic illnesses
Some plans even offer regional or international coverage, particularly for business travelers and expats.
9. Cost of Private Health Insurance
Premiums depend on age, health condition, and level of coverage. Approximate annual costs:
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Young adults (18–30): €150–€400/year
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Families: €600–€1,200/year
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Seniors (60+): €800–€2,000/year
Group plans are often offered by employers or associations at reduced rates.
10. Challenges in Albania’s Health Insurance System
Despite efforts to improve healthcare access, several issues persist:
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Underfunded public system, especially in rural areas
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Informal payments to healthcare providers still occur in some cases
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Limited access to high-tech diagnostics in public hospitals
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Low salaries and doctor migration affect quality and availability
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Low insurance awareness, particularly among the rural population
Improving health education and infrastructure remains a top priority for the government.
11. Health Insurance for Expats in Albania
Foreigners living or working in Albania can access healthcare through:
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National Insurance, if employed locally
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Voluntary contributions, as self-employed individuals
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Private international or local health insurance
Expats often choose private insurance for:
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English-speaking doctors
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Better facilities
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Faster service
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Coverage abroad
International insurers such as Cigna, Allianz, and Bupa Global also provide coverage in Albania.
12. Pharmaceuticals and Prescription Coverage
Public health insurance subsidizes a list of essential medications (Reimbursement List). Insured individuals can obtain these at reduced prices from licensed pharmacies.
Without insurance, medication costs are fully out-of-pocket and can be expensive for imported drugs.
13. Emergency Medical Services
Emergency services are provided free of charge by the public system. Dial 127 for ambulance services in case of emergencies.
However, response times can be slow, especially in rural or mountainous areas, so many opt for private emergency services when available.
14. Dental and Vision Care
Dental care is not fully covered by public insurance and often requires out-of-pocket payment. Private insurance plans may include:
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Routine check-ups
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Fillings, crowns, and implants
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Orthodontic services
Vision care is also limited in the public system, though basic eye exams and prescription support may be included in advanced private plans.
15. Reforms and Future Developments
The Albanian government has introduced several reforms aimed at improving healthcare:
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Modernization of hospital infrastructure
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Digitalization of health records
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Anti-corruption measures in public health
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Expansion of e-health services
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Promotion of voluntary health insurance among self-employed individuals
These changes aim to create a more efficient, transparent, and patient-centered healthcare system.
Conclusion
Albania’s health insurance system is evolving, offering universal access through public funding while encouraging the growth of private healthcare and insurance. Although the public system still faces challenges, private health insurance provides an important alternative for those seeking faster, higher-quality care.
For locals and foreigners alike, understanding how health insurance works in Albania is essential to ensuring timely and effective medical treatment. As Albania continues its journey toward EU integration and modernization, the healthcare sector remains a key area of transformation.