From January 1, 2025, state and communal medical institutions in Ukraine will be able to provide paid medical services. This is an innovation of services that are not covered by the medical guarantee program, as well as an additional service for needs.
Which services will become paid?
in accordance with the resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers No. 781, adopted in July 2024, medical institutions of state and communal ownership in favor of:
- Provide paid services that are not included in the medical guarantee program.
- Offer an additional service at the request of the patient, even if the main service is free.
Examples of paid services:
- Medical consultations without a doctor's referral (except for referrals where this is not required).
- Services under contracts with legal entities.
- Provision of medical services in institutions belonging to the sphere of security and defense to patients who do not belong to the attached contingent.
- Other services not covered by the medical guarantee program.
What do patients have to pay extra?
Even if the basic medical service covers the cost of the medical guarantee program, the patient may pay:
- A doctor's home visit at the patient's request, not due to medical indications.
- The possibility of contacting a specific doctor in an inpatient setting.
- Stay in wards with increased comfort.
Will free services remain?
Yes, primary and emergency medical care remains free. Patients can also contact specialists such as:
- Obstetrician-gynecologist.
- Psychiatrist.
- Narcologist.
- Dentist.
- pediatrician.
- A doctor who manages a patient with a chronic disease.
All paid services are issued through supporting documents, and information about them is entered into the electronic health care system. Payment is also made in non-cash form.
For foreigners and stateless persons temporarily staying in Ukraine, the cost of medical services is determined independently by each medical institution. Payment is also made in the national currency and in non-cash form.
The innovation allows medical institutions to better adapt to the need, offering additional services. At the same time, the medical guarantee program will continue to provide access to a basic list of free medical services for all citizens of Ukraine.
The introduction of paid services in state and communal hospitals from 2025 is not the only way to improve the level of service, but also a step towards greater transparency in the financing of the medical system. Patients get a choice: use free services within the scope of the medical guarantee program or order an additional service for a fee.
