🇺🇦 Ukraine Healthcare Guide
Healthcare infrastructure across parts of Ukraine has been significantly disrupted since 2022, and the availability of services varies depending on region. Kyiv and Lviv have private clinics — Boris and Dobrobut in Kyiv are the most commonly used by foreigners — that provide adequate care for most non-emergency needs. The public healthcare system outside major cities remains under-resourced, and English-speaking staff are very limited, so carrying a full supply of your regular medications and your medical summary saved in Ukrainian and accessible is the most practical preparation you can make.
Quick facts
- Emergency number: 103
- Healthcare system: mixed
- Average GP visit: $10 USD
- EHIC/GHIC accepted: No
- Language barrier: high
Healthcare overview
Ukraine’s healthcare system has been significantly disrupted by the ongoing conflict, particularly in eastern and southern regions. Kyiv, Lviv, and western cities maintain functioning hospitals, with private clinics in Kyiv (Dobrobut, Boris, Oberig) offering the most reliable care for visitors. Public hospitals are free but under-resourced. Visitors should verify the current security and healthcare situation in their destination region before travelling.
Conflict-affected regions
Healthcare infrastructure in eastern and southern Ukraine is severely disrupted. Western Ukraine (Lviv, Ivano-Frankivsk) maintains more stable services.
Kyiv private clinics
Dobrobut, Boris, and Oberig in Kyiv provide reliable care with some English-speaking staff and modern equipment.
Vaccinations
Recommended
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Typhoid
Prescriptions and pharmacies
Pharmacies (apteka) are widespread in Ukrainian cities, with many open 24 hours in Kyiv and Lviv. Medication prices are very low by European standards. Some medications available OTC in Western Europe require a prescription in Ukraine, and vice versa. Brand names often follow post-Soviet conventions. Carry your full supply, particularly if travelling outside major cities.
Post-Soviet naming conventions
Ukrainian pharmacists use trade names that often differ from Western equivalents. Bring original packaging and the international nonproprietary name.
Tips for travellers
Kyiv’s private hospitals (Dobrobut, Oberig) provide the most comprehensive specialist care available in Ukraine. Lviv also has emerging private options. For highly complex conditions, patients are sometimes referred to hospitals in Poland or Germany. Having your treatment plan saved and accessible in Ukrainian or English helps providers continue your care or coordinate cross-border transfer.
Cross-border medical access
Poland (Warsaw, Krakow) and Germany are the primary destinations for specialist care beyond Ukrainian hospital capacity.