Republic of Moldova: Europe's New Benchmark for High-Quality, Affordable, Medical Tourism

International-Standard Treatments, No Waiting Lists and Savings of up to 70%

CHISINAU, Moldova, Dec. 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The global medical tourism landscape is shifting—and Eastern Europe is emerging as one of its most dynamic regions. At the centre of this transformation stands the Republic of Moldova, a country that has rapidly expanded its medical tourism sector through strategic investments, international partnerships and a firm commitment to global standards of care.

With a unique mix of medical expertise, modern infrastructure and authentic hospitality, Moldova is increasingly chosen by patients seeking safe, affordable, and timely treatment. Private clinics continue to invest in international accreditation and cutting-edge technology, offering care at a fraction of Western European prices and with zero waiting lists, positioning the country as one of Eastern Europe's most compelling destinations for cross-border healthcare.

Moldova's rising credibility is now recognised globally: in 2024, the country was elected to the presidency of the Global Healthcare Travel Council (GHTC), surpassing major medical tourism markets such as Germany and Saudi Arabia. Combined with international awards and ongoing upgrades to the healthcare system, Moldova is firmly establishing itself on the global map of medical excellence.

Major Price Advantages and Rapid Access to Treatment

Between 2021 and 2025, Moldova invested more than 4 billion MDL in strengthening its healthcare system, enabling private hospitals and clinics to offer treatments at 60–70% below UK prices, without compromising quality or safety.

The medical tourism sector generated USD 79 million in 2024, serving over 36,000 international patients annually. According to the Medical Tourism Association of Moldova, "we have recorded a threefold increase in foreign patients over the past four years," says Natalia Ciobanu, the Association's President.

Price examples compared to the UK:

• Dental implants from £255 (vs. £2,500–3,500 in the UK)
• Hip replacement £4,500–6,000 (vs. £14,400 in the UK)
• IVF at USD 3,698 (vs. USD 11,000–12,000 in the UK/US)
• Abdominoplasty £2,500–3,500 (vs. £7,600 in the UK)

These cost advantages are matched by exceptionally fast access:

• surgical consultations within 2–14 days
• treatment plans in under 3 working days
• dental procedures completed in one visit or within the same week
• complex surgeries scheduled within two weeks

For many patients, this means saving 50–100 weeks of waiting time compared to the UK.

Practical Advantages for UK Patients

• Easy, affordable travel

Direct flights between London and Chișinău take 3.5 hours, with up to 11 weekly connections from Luton, Gatwick, Stansted and Heathrow. Low-cost fares start from £27–45 one-way, with the best prices when booking 37 days in advance.

• Personalised, multilingual care

English is widely spoken across private medical facilities. Patients benefit from:

• English, French, Italian and Russian-speaking doctors
• dedicated medical tourism coordinators
• 24/7 assistance
• included translation and concierge support
• full-service packages (airport pickup, accommodation, recovery-friendly activities)
• Smooth arrival experience

Chișinău International Airport (RMO) is only 13 km from the city centre, with convenient transfers via trolleybus, public bus or official taxis (£6–10).

International Accreditations and Recognised Excellence

Moldova's progress in the medical sector is reflected in major international achievements:

• Medpark International Hospital is accredited by Joint Commission International (JCI)—the global gold standard held by fewer than 1,000 medical institutions worldwide. With specialists in more than 40 medical fields, Medpark treats over 160,000 patients annually.
• In 2024, the Medical Tourism Association of Moldova was elected to lead the Global Healthcare Travel Council (2024–2026)—a milestone that underscores Moldova's credibility in the global medical tourism landscape.
• Smile Dent Team received the Excellence in Dental Care Award at the HTI Medical Tourism Summit, Europe's leading business platform for cross-border healthcare.
• Modern centres for Molecular Medicine and Personalised Medicine were inaugurated in December 2024, supported by €2.15 million through World Bank projects.

A Growing Sector Backed by Strategic Investment

Exports of medical services almost tripled between 2020 and 2024, driven largely by dental and reproductive medicine. According to NBM, the country's medical service exports reached USD 79 million in 2024, with projections exceeding USD 75 million in 2025, aiming to increase Moldova's global market share from 5% to 20% by 2030.

Moldova's healthcare system employs nearly 12,000 doctors and more than 23,000 medical staff (2024 data), covering virtually all major medical specialities—from cardiology and oncology to neurology, orthopaedics, IVF, plastic surgery, gastroenterology and paediatrics.

Facilities across Chișinău are equipped with Western-standard technology, including advanced imaging, high-precision surgical equipment, modern laboratories and neonatal intensive care units fitted with the latest systems.

Why Moldova Is Gaining Global Attention

While large neighbours such as Poland and Hungary dominate Europe's medical tourism market, Moldova offers a distinctive competitive edge:

• substantially lower costs
• zero waiting lists
• internationally recognised clinics
• multilingual specialists
• high patient satisfaction
• easy, budget-friendly access from the UK

All these factors position Moldova as one of the most accessible and attractive emerging destinations for international patients seeking high-quality medical care.

Invest Moldova

Tel: +373 22 27 36 54
E-mail: office@invest.gov.md

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SOURCE Invest Moldova