The Ministry of Health can partially refund the costs incurred by patients who need treatment abroad if the given treatment cannot be ensured in the country. Contacted by IPN, Minister of Health Ruxanda Glavan said the costs can be partially covered when a patient twitch a stable diagnosis was consulted by national specialists and these concluded that the person cannot be treated in Moldova. The given conclusion should reach the specialty commission of the Ministry of Health together with the application from the patient and a set of documents.

The invoice from the national health facility is attached if the patient identified the place where he can receive the necessary treatment, showing the cost of treatment, and evidence of the fact that the treatment for him was scheduled. The patient must also present the mandatory health insurance policy.

The Ministry of Health’s commission assesses the situation and takes a decision. If it’s determined that the surgery cannot be performed in Moldova, the patient is informed about the sum that can be allocated by the state. The patient travels to the foreign hospital, receives treatment and returns with all the documents showing that he received treatment and is paid back the sums set initially.

The regulations provide that the compensated sum cannot exceed 25% of the cost of treatment. There are yet situations when the allocated sum can be increased. “In the first quarters of each year, particular sums are agreed. If money remains available in the fourth quarter, the amount is divided between those who already benefited from treatment. The compensations at yearend reach 30%-40% of the total cost of the treatment at yearend,” said the minster.

If the patient decides to receive treatment abroad, while the commission does not confirm his need, the incurred costs are not compensated.