Healthcare in Belarus

Public Healthcare for Foreigners

• Non-residents: You must hold a recognized health insurance policy with at least €10,000 coverage valid in Belarus. You can buy one at the airport for under €1 per day.
• Access is via emergency departments: present your passport and insurance. In urgent cases call an ambulance at 103 or go directly to the emergency ward.
• Ambulance staff triage and transport you to hospital if needed. In life-threatening situations, treatment is provided even without insurance and hospital care is guaranteed.
• Insurance may limit inpatient stays, but discharge timing and procedures are set by the attending physician.
• Patients report high standards of care even for complex cases like heart attack or stroke.

For Residents

• Residents enjoy the same rights as Belarusian citizens. There is less pressure for rapid discharge, and free rehabilitation services (e.g., speech therapy, physical therapy up to six months after a serious event) are available.
• Major medical issues are treated in public hospitals; private clinics focus on specialist visits, diagnostics, and minor procedures.

Private Clinics

• Private clinics offer fast access to specialist consultations, tests, and cosmetic medicine. Fees are low: a specialist visit costs around 40–60 BYN (€12–18 in 2025), with same-day results and prescriptions.
• Many high-level specialists work across Belarus and Russia. Private clinics are common in Minsk and other major cities, ideal for quick appointments and minimal wait times.

Medications and Pharmacies

• Most medications—especially locally produced ones—are sold over the counter. Only controlled substances (psychotropics, morphine, etc.) require a prescription.
• Common active ingredients (including antibiotics) are freely available, and prices are very low for Belarusian products.

Operational Notes

• When self-medicating, bring the active ingredient name: brand names and pharmacy labeling may differ from Italian or international ones.
• If you require long-term medication, bring a supply and documentation from abroad due to language barriers and market differences.

Summary

Belarusian healthcare is public with solid standards and accessible to foreigners via mandatory insurance. Private clinics provide rapid, low-cost care, and pharmacies carry most medicines affordably, often without prescription.