Over the past five years, the Republic of Moldova has strengthened its position on the international map in two strategically important sectors — medical and educational tourism. An increasing number of international patients are choosing to travel for high-quality treatments at competitive prices, while private clinics in Moldova are fulfilling this demand with services that meet international standards, enabling savings of up to 90% compared to costs in their home countries.
At the same time, the number of international students choosing to study medicine and pharmacy in Chisinau is steadily increasing, drawn by modern curricula, global recognition, and affordable tuition. By doing so, Moldova is not only providing healthcare but also training future professionals, delivering education in line with European standards.
Accelerated Growth in Medical Tourism
Moldova’s healthcare services sector is showing strong momentum on international markets. In just five years, exports in this field have nearly tripled. The figures speak for themselves: in 2020, medical services provided to foreign patients generated USD 25.1 million, while by 2024 revenues had reached approximately USD 64.4 million.
This growth is evident not only on an annual basis but also from one quarter to the next. In the first quarter of 2024, medical service exports totaled USD 14.09 million, compared to USD 16.49 million in the first quarter of 2025 — an increase of nearly 17%.
Source:NBM, units in M usd
Medical Tourism — A Growing Pillar of the Economy
Moldova primarily attracts patients from Romania and Italy, as well as from Ukraine, Germany, Poland, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Israel, Canada, and the United States. The most sought-after services include dentistry, cosmetic surgery, ophthalmology, in vitro fertilization, and complex medical procedures.
Experts estimate that the country is currently utilizing only around 5% of its potential, with the capacity to reach an annual export volume of medical services worth USD 1.5 billion.
International Recognition and Leadership in Medical Tourism
A milestone for Moldova’s international recognition was its election to lead the Global Healthcare Travel Council (GHTC) for the 2024–2026 term, surpassing countries such as Germany and Saudi Arabia.
In this context, Andrei Revenco, founder and Executive Director of the Medical Tourism Association of Moldova, stated:
“When we launched this project, I was certain that our country could become not only a regional hub for medical tourism but also a reference point for patients worldwide. We have exceptional specialists and competitive prices, and we can pair their expertise with our beautiful landscapes, national cuisine, and world-class wines. What we need now is to develop our infrastructure — including airport facilities to improve connections with major capitals — to digitize our medical system, and, of course, to confidently promote our country on the international stage.”
For international patients, the most attractive segment is dentistry — a fact confirmed by Professor Valeriu Fala, founder of Fala Dental Clinic.
“An increasing number of patients from the diaspora, as well as from countries such as Italy, Romania, France, Germany, the USA, and Canada, choose our clinics for complex medical treatments, particularly in masticatory system rehabilitation. These treatments involve multidisciplinary teams — from dentists to neurologists, physiotherapists, and alternative medicine specialists — and the quality-to-price ratio is a decisive factor, with the same procedures being up to five times more affordable than in developed countries,” stated Valeriu Fala, PhD, Dr. Habil. in Medical Sciences, Professor at the State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, and Director of Fala Dental.
In terms of educational service exports, Moldova has recorded a 134% increase over the past five years — from USD 10.66 million in the first quarter of 2020 to USD 24.91 million in the first quarter of 2025. The majority of students come from neighboring countries, attracted by international programs, affordable costs, and the prospects offered by potential European integration.
Source:NBM, units in M usd
This trend is also reflected in the performance of the Nicolae Testemițanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, which attracts over 1,800 foreign students annually from 33 countries.
“In our 80 years of activity — 40 of which have been dedicated to internationalization — the University has trained over 51,000 specialists, including 8,000 graduates from 45 countries. A solid reputation, international accreditation (WFME), affordable tuition, and a multicultural environment draw students, particularly to our Medicine and Dentistry programs. Through a modernized curriculum and ongoing investment, USMF positions itself as a competitive educational center whose graduates enhance Moldova’s global reputation,” said Professor Emil Ceban, Rector of the Nicolae Testemițanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy.
Challenges for 2025 and Beyond
The outlook for the coming years is promising. From 25 to 28 September 2025, the Republic of Moldova will host the Global Healthcare Travel Forum, with over 50 countries and around 100 industry experts expected to attend. This event reaffirms Moldova’s strong position on the global map of the sector.
“Holding the presidency of the Global Healthcare Travel Council provides significant momentum for the development of medical tourism and for raising our country’s visibility worldwide. In an economic context where regional competitiveness is becoming increasingly important, Moldova is proving that it can turn its key strengths — well-trained professionals, low costs, and high-quality services — into both a national brand and a strategic advantage,” said Natalia Ciobanu, President of the Medical Tourism Association of Moldova and President of the GHTC.