For years, North Macedonia was overlooked on the European medical map. But in 2026, the narrative has shifted. With state-of-the-art facilities like the Zan Mitrev Clinic performing pioneering cardiovascular surgeries and Acibadem Sistina setting the regional standard for oncology and IVF, the country is becoming a “hidden gem” for affordable, high-quality healthcare.
However, the contrast between the glossy private clinics of Skopje and the aging infrastructure of public regional hospitals is stark. For a patient—whether a local resident, an expat, or a medical tourist—knowing which door to walk through is critical.
This guide provides an honest, on-the-ground look at the healthcare system. We will break down the best Hospitals in North Macedonia, reveal where to find English-speaking specialists, and help you navigate the costs of care.
The Public vs. Private Divide
To make smart health decisions here, you must understand the two parallel systems operating in the country.
1. The Public System (Health Insurance Fund – HIF)
- The Hub: The University Clinical Center “Mother Teresa” in Skopje is the behemoth of the public system. It is a sprawling complex of over 30 clinics.
- The Reality: It is where you go for complex, multi-disciplinary trauma because everyone is there. However, expect older buildings, crowded waiting rooms, and a system that requires a referral from a primary care doctor (“Maticen lekar”) for everything.
- Cost: Virtually free for citizens and residents contributing to the Fund.
2. The Private Sector (The “European Standard”)
- The Hubs: Concentrated in Skopje, private hospitals like Acibadem Sistina, Remedika, and Zan Mitrev look and feel like 5-star hotels.
- The Reality: You can see a specialist in 24 hours. The equipment is often newer than in the public sector, and English is widely spoken.
- Cost: Significant. A consultation can cost €40–€80, and surgeries run into the thousands. However, for medical tourists, these prices are often 50–70% lower than in Germany or the UK.
Patient Tip: If you are a tourist, you must have travel insurance. Public hospitals will treat you in an emergency, but they will charge you full price if you don’t have insurance or a reciprocal agreement (like the UK or Germany).
Top Hospitals in North Macedonia: A Deep Dive
We have analyzed the facilities to bring you the top recommendations for 2026.
1. Acibadem Sistina Hospital – Skopje
Part of the global Acibadem Healthcare Group, this is arguably the premier private hospital in the country.
- Best For: Oncology (Cancer treatment), IVF (In Vitro Fertilization), and Gynecology.
- Why it stands out: It holds the prestigious JCI (Joint Commission International) accreditation, ensuring patient safety standards meet the highest global benchmarks. Their “Center for Perfection” in IVF attracts couples from all over the Balkans.
2. Zan Mitrev Clinic – Skopje
Founded by the renowned cardiac surgeon Dr. Zan Mitrev, this clinic is a regional leader in heart health.
- Best For: Cardiovascular Surgery, Genetics, and Personalized Medicine.
- Why it stands out: It performs thousands of heart surgeries annually with success rates comparable to Western Europe. Their diagnostic genetics lab is one of the most advanced in the region.
3. University Clinical Center “Mother Teresa” – Skopje
The backbone of the nation’s healthcare.
- Best For: Emergency Trauma, Infectious Diseases, and Rare Diseases.
- Why it stands out: If you have a highly complex, multi-organ condition, this is where the university professors and research teams are located. It is the only place for certain specialized treatments like organ transplantation funded by the state.
4. Remedika – Skopje
A well-established general private hospital located in the Zelezara district.
- Best For: Orthopedics, Physical Therapy, and Maternity.
- Why it stands out: It has a reputation for “family-like” care. It is smaller than Sistina but often praised for more personalized attention and slightly lower costs.
5. Special Hospital “St. Erasmus” – Ohrid
If you are visiting the famous Lake Ohrid, this is your medical safety net.
- Best For: Orthopedics, Traumatology, and Neurosurgery.
- Why it stands out: It is a specialized facility with a long history of treating bone and joint issues. It is a critical hub for the southwestern part of the country.
📊 Comparison: Top 10 Hospitals in North Macedonia
Use this table to find the right facility for your needs.
| Hospital Name | Location | Type | Beds (Approx) | Key Specializations |
| Acibadem Sistina | Skopje | Private | 300+ | Oncology, IVF, Cardiology |
| Zan Mitrev Clinic | Skopje | Private | 100+ | Heart Surgery, Genetics |
| Clinical Center “Mother Teresa” | Skopje | Public | 1,000+ | Trauma, Toxicology, Neurology |
| Remedika | Skopje | Private | 150 | Maternity, Orthopedics |
| City General Hospital “8th Sept” | Skopje | Public | 600+ | Emergency, Internal Medicine |
| Special Hospital “St. Erasmus” | Ohrid | Public | 200 | Orthopedics, Brain Surgery |
| Clinical Hospital Bitola | Bitola | Public | 500 | Regional Trauma, Surgery |
| Neuromedica | Skopje | Private | 40+ | 24/7 Diagnostics, Home Visits |
| One Hospital | Tetovo | Private | 100 | General Surgery, Pediatrics |
| Philip II (Filip Vtori) | Skopje | Private | – | (Now largely Zan Mitrev Clinic) |
💡 Real Success Story: The “Dental Holiday”
North Macedonia is quietly becoming a powerhouse for dental tourism.
Case Study: Sarah’s Smile Makeover
The Challenge: Sarah, from the UK, needed three dental implants. Her local quote was over £6,000. She was hesitant to go abroad but couldn’t afford the local price.
The Solution: She found a thread on the MyHospitalNow Forum discussing dental clinics in Skopje that use German/Swiss implant brands.
The Outcome: She booked a trip to Skopje. The procedure was performed at a high-end private dental clinic.
The Result: Sarah paid roughly £1,800 for the entire treatment, including her flights and a 5-day stay near the Stone Bridge.
“I was nervous about the language barrier, but the dentist spoke better English than I do! The clinic was more modern than my GP’s office in London.” — Sarah T., Manchester
👉 Considering dental or medical tourism? Connect with others who have done it: https://www.myhospitalnow.com/forum/
Essential Tips for Patients & Tourists
Navigating the Balkans requires some local know-how.
1. The Pharmacy is Your First Stop
Pharmacists in North Macedonia are highly trained. For minor ailments (flu, stomach bugs), go straight to a pharmacy (“Apteka”). Many medications that require a prescription in the US or UK are available over the counter here.
- Look for: “Zegin” or “Eurofarm” – these are large, reliable chains.
2. Cash vs. Card
- Private Hospitals: Accept all major credit cards.
- Public Hospitals: Often require small co-payments (“participacija”) which are best paid in cash (Macedonian Denar – MKD).
3. Emergency Numbers
- Ambulance: 194
- Police: 192
- General Emergency: 112
4. Verify Your Doctor
If you are looking for a specific specialist, use our categorized database. We track the top clinics and patient reviews to help you filter the noise.
👉 Hospitals in North Macedonia (https://www.myhospitalnow.com/blog/category/hospitals-in-north-macedonia)
5. Water Safety
Tap water in Skopje is generally safe to drink, but in hospitals, it is often better to stick to bottled water just to be safe, especially if your immune system is compromised.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is healthcare free for tourists in North Macedonia?
No. Unless you are from a country with a reciprocal agreement (like the UK, Turkey, or some ex-Yugoslav countries), you will pay out of pocket. Travel insurance is highly recommended.
2. Do doctors speak English?
In private hospitals like Acibadem Sistina and Zan Mitrev, yes, almost universally. In public hospitals, younger doctors usually speak English, but older staff and nurses may not.
3. What is the best hospital for heart surgery?
Zan Mitrev Clinic is widely regarded as the leader in cardiovascular surgery in the region.
4. Can I buy antibiotics without a prescription?
Legally, no. You need a doctor’s prescription. However, enforcement can vary in smaller pharmacies, but don’t count on it.
5. Is North Macedonia good for IVF?
Yes. The laws are favorable, and clinics like Newborn Clinic and Acibadem Sistina have high success rates and lower costs than Western Europe.
6. How much does a private doctor visit cost?
Expect to pay between 2,500 and 5,000 MKD (€40–€80) for a specialist consultation in a private hospital.
7. Are there 24/7 pharmacies?
Yes. In Skopje, there are always “dezhurna apteka” (on-duty pharmacies) open 24/7. Ask your hotel or taxi driver for the nearest one.
8. What vaccinations do I need?
No specific vaccinations are required for entry, but being up to date on Hepatitis A and Tetanus is recommended.
9. Is the “Mother Teresa” Clinical Center safe?
Yes, it is safe medically, but it can be chaotic and visually intimidating due to its size and age. For minor issues, a private clinic is a much smoother experience.
10. Where can I find patient reviews?
You can read real experiences from patients on our forum to see which doctors are currently recommended.
Conclusion: Quality Care at a Crossroads
North Macedonia offers a unique proposition: world-class private healthcare at a fraction of the European cost, alongside a public system that—while struggling—still houses deep expertise.
Whether you are here for the lakes, the history, or a medical procedure, you don’t have to compromise on safety. The key is to plan ahead. Know your hospital, have your insurance ready, and use the resources available to you.