Ukraine Health Care and Vaccinations

Health Care

The health service does, in theory, provide free medical treatment for all citizens and travellers who become ill. However, as in most parts of the former Soviet Union, health care is a serious problem. For minor difficulties, visitors are advised to ask the management at their hotels for help. For major problems, visitors are well advised to seek help outside the country. Travel insurance is strongly recommended. It is advisable to take a supply of those medicines that are likely to be required (but check first that they may be legally imported) as medicines can prove difficult to obtain. Travellers are advised to contact their embassy, in the first instance, for advice on where to get medical help.

Food and Drink

Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have first been boiled or otherwise sterilised. Milk is pasteurised and dairy products are safe for consumption. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish, preferably served hot. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled. Street food is generally safe if it is fresh and hot. Freshwater fish and mushrooms or berries gathered in the area around Chernobyl north of Kiev are best avoided.

Other Risks

Vaccinations against tuberculosis and hepatitis B are sometimes advised. Tick-borne encephalitis is quite common in the Ukrainian countryside between April and August. Visitors should take precautions against ticks in forested areas by wearing long sleeves and trousers and a hat.