If you’re over fifty and planning a move to Albania, healthcare is probably the question keeping you up at night. Here’s what it actually looks like on the ground.
Albania has both a public healthcare system and private clinics. The public system is state-run and underfunded. Hospitals are often short on equipment, wait times are long, and if you don’t have permanent residency or an employment contract, your access is limited. If you need serious work, surgery, emergencies, anything complicated, you’re going private. And that’s where insurance becomes critical.
What Insurance Costs
Local Albanian insurance runs between CA$660 and CA$1,110 per year for basic to comprehensive coverage. That’s cheap. But local coverage won’t cover you for serious emergencies or evacuation if you need treatment outside the country. International insurance is more expensive but worth it. You’re looking at CA$44 to CA$220 per month depending on your age and coverage level. The most popular option in the expat community is SafetyWing, which runs on a monthly subscription you can cancel anytime. Other providers include Allianz, AXA, Cigna, Bupa Global, and MSH International. They offer what’s called a first euro plan, meaning they cover everything from day one at private clinics.
If you want a full breakdown of what SafetyWing covers, what it costs for Canadians over 50, and whether it’s the right call for a move to Albania, read our SafetyWing review. Health insurance is also a required document for your Albanian residence permit, so this isn’t optional.
What Medical Care Actually Costs
A general practitioner visit at a private clinic runs CA$28 to CA$55 (approximately 20 to 40 euros). A specialist is CA$55 to CA$110. Hospitalization varies depending on the facility and procedure but it’s still a fraction of what you’d pay in North America. Most private clinics require you to pay upfront and your insurance reimburses you afterward.
The Reality
Healthcare in Albania is better in cities like Tirana and Durrës than in rural areas, but it still lags behind Western European standards. Staff and equipment are improving, but if something goes seriously wrong, you can get evacuated to a better facility in Greece or elsewhere in Europe, and your international insurance covers it. This is one reason why where you choose to live in Albania matters more than most people realize.
What That Means For You
Before you move, get international health insurance locked in. Know exactly what it covers. Know your deductibles. Know how claims work. Don’t assume the local healthcare system will handle serious complications. Assume you’ll need private care or evacuation and plan accordingly.
Budget CA$44 to CA$220 per month for international insurance, plus extra for ongoing private healthcare costs. If you have specific conditions that need managing, prediabetes, mental health issues, anything that requires regular monitoring, research whether Albania has the resources and specialists you need before you commit to going there.
The system is affordable. But affordable doesn’t mean it’s equipped to handle everything.
A Note on Accuracy
The figures, rates, and regulations in this article reflect our best research at the time of writing. Exchange rates, rental prices, visa requirements, and tax laws change. Verify current numbers at primary sources before making any decisions. For exchange rates use xe.com, for cost of living use Numbeo.com, and for visa and residency rules check the official Albanian e-Albania portal and Service Canada directly.