Healthcare and medical services in Kyiv

When traveling to Kyiv, it’s important to know how the healthcare system works, where to seek medical help if you get sick, and whether you’ll need health insurance.

In this guide, you’ll find helpful information about insurance, calling an ambulance, seeing a doctor, and buying medication — everything you need to feel confident about your health and safety while visiting the capital of Ukraine.

Is medical insurance required for travelling to Ukraine?

It’s hard to give a clear answer. If you need a visa to enter Ukraine, medical insurance is mandatory, as it is required to obtain the visa. When it comes to visa-free entry, the situation is less clear. However, the simple and safe answer is: yes, foreigners entering Ukraine should have medical insurance that covers their entire stay.

You can try to enter without insurance, but it’s risky — you may be denied entry at the border. There’s no reason to take that risk, though — getting insurance takes just a few minutes and ensures you’re covered.

What should I do if I’m a foreigner and get sick in Kyiv?

Whether you have insurance or not, you can buy over-the-counter medicines (like paracetamol, ibuprofen, cough syrups, nasal sprays, or throat lozenges) at any pharmacy.

If the symptoms are severe or persist for several days, it’s recommended to visit a private clinic, as public healthcare facilities might not always offer high-quality services in English.

If you have insurance:

• Call the insurance company’s helpline at the number provided with your policy. They will guide you on which clinic to visit for your expenses to be covered and will schedule your appointment.
• Show your policy at the clinic. Usually, the insurance company will either cover everything directly, or you’ll pay for the diagnosis and medications upfront and then receive reimbursement.
• If you are making the appointment directly with the clinic, make sure to confirm whether they work with your insurer to ensure that your expenses will be reimbursed. It’s also a good idea to inform the insurance company about your appointment.

If you don’t have insurance:

• You will be accepted at any private clinic, but you will need to pay for the services and prescribed treatment yourself.
• A consultation with a general practitioner costs between 15–35 USD, and additional tests or analyses are charged separately. Most clinics accept payment both by card or in cash.

How to call an ambulance in Kyiv?

• The emergency number is 112 – operators speak both Ukrainian and English.
• For an ambulance, you can also dial 103 – this is the emergency medical service.
• The operator might not speak English, so it’s a good idea to ask a local for help with the call.

Calling an ambulance from the state service in Kyiv is free of charge. You will be taken to the nearest public hospital that can treat your condition. Emergency care is provided for free, but hospitalization and inpatient treatment for foreigners are paid.

What to say to the operator:

• Your name and nationality.
• Your address or a nearby landmark.
• What happened and your symptoms (e.g., “high fever, loss of consciousness, chest pain”).

If your insurance covers ambulance services, you can call the ambulance through your insurer, and you will be taken for free to the nearest private clinic that has an agreement with your insurance company.

Another option is to call an ambulance from a private clinic, such as Dobrobut, Oxford Medical, or Viva. The cost will be between 50–150 USD, depending on the clinic.

Ambulance services in Kyiv are available 24/7, including during the curfew hours (currently (12:00 AM–5:00 AM).

Where can I buy medicine in Kyiv?

Pharmacies are easy to find all over Kyiv, especially in the city center and residential areas. Big chains like ANC, Bazhaemo Zdorovya, Apteka Dobroho Dnya, Podorozhnyk, and Apteka 911 have lots of locations across the city. You can also order over-the-counter medicines with delivery through Glovo.

Are there any 24-hour pharmacies in Kyiv?

No, currently there are no 24-hour pharmacies in Kyiv due to martial law and the curfew, which is in effect from 12:00 AM to 5:00 AM. Most pharmacies are open from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM, and some stay open until 10:00 PM.

Can you buy antibiotics without a prescription in Ukraine?

No, antibiotics in Ukraine are only available with a doctor’s prescription.