Health, vaccinations and medical care in North Macedonia

Cover

• The EHIC and GHIC do not apply. Travel insurance is essential.
• State hospitals are basic; private clinics in Skopje are inexpensive and much quicker.

Everyday health

• Tap water is safe in Skopje and Ohrid.
• Pharmacies (apteka) are well stocked.
• Ticks are present in forests.
• Summer heat is severe in the Vardar valley - Skopje regularly passes 40 C in July and August.

Where to go

• Skopje has the main state hospitals and the country's specialist care.
• Private clinics in Skopje are inexpensive and much faster than the state system, and are what residents use for anything non-urgent. Consultations cost a fraction of western European prices.
• Ohrid and Bitola have general hospitals; smaller towns have clinics only.
• Pharmacies (apteka) are well stocked and pharmacists advise on minor complaints. Larger towns run a duty rota for nights and weekends.

What actually affects visitors

• Summer heat is the main risk. The Vardar valley is one of the hottest places in the Balkans and Skopje regularly exceeds 40 C in July and August.
• Winter air pollution in Skopje is severe - the city sits in a basin that traps coal smoke from November to February. If you are asthmatic, this is a genuine consideration for a winter visit.
• Tap water is safe in Skopje and Ohrid.
• Ticks are present in forested areas and the season runs spring to autumn; the usual precautions apply.
• Stray dogs are common in Skopje; do not approach them and seek treatment promptly after any bite.

Before you travel

• Bring enough prescription medicine for the trip plus a margin, in original packaging with a copy of the prescription.
• Check your insurance covers medical evacuation - serious cases are frequently moved to Thessaloniki, Sofia or Belgrade.