The Complete Guide to the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Romania

Access to quality healthcare is a fundamental right for all people, regardless of any disabilities they may have. In Romania, over 800,000 people with disabilities face daily challenges in navigating the healthcare system, from obtaining a disability certificate to accessing specialized treatments.

If you or a loved one need clarification about your rights in the Romanian healthcare system, this guide will provide you with all the latest information for 2025, with concrete steps and practical solutions for overcoming the obstacles you encounter.

What you will learn from this article:

Fundamental rights guaranteed by Romanian law
Step-by-step procedures for accessing medical services
Specific benefits according to the degree of disability
Practical solutions to common challenges
Available resources and support organizations

Fundamental Legal Framework - Basic Legislation and Principles of Rights

Legal Basis of Rights

The rights of persons with disabilities in the Romanian healthcare system are regulated by several fundamental legislative acts, updated in 2024 with important changes:

Law No. 448/2006 on the protection and promotion of the rights of persons with disabilities is the cornerstone of Romanian legislation in this area. This law was amended by Emergency Ordinance No. 127/2024, which brought significant improvements in terms of integration into the labor market and access to services.

The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), ratified by Romania through Law No. 221/2010, sets the international standards that our country has committed to comply with. Article 25 of the Convention specifically guarantees the right to health for persons with disabilities.

Fundamental Principles of the System

The Romanian healthcare system must comply with the following principles in its relationship with persons with disabilities:

1. Non-discrimination and Equal Treatment

Equal access to all available medical services
Prohibition of refusal of treatment on the basis of disability
Elimination of discriminatory barriers in the provision of services

2. Universal Accessibility

Adaptation of medical infrastructure for persons with reduced mobility
Provision of medical information in accessible formats
Ensuring effective communication with medical staff

3. Autonomy and Freedom of Choice

Respect for the right to informed consent
Active involvement in medical decisions
Right to a second medical opinion

4. Quality and Continuity of Care

Medical services of the same standard as for all persons
Coordination between different levels of care
Monitoring and evaluation of service quality

Legislative Changes in 2024 and Their Impact

Emergency Ordinance No. 127/2024 brought the following important improvements:

Increased allowances for persons with severe and profound disabilities
Simplification of procedures for obtaining a disability certificate
Expansion of professional personal assistance services
Improved access to assistive technologies and medical equipment

These changes came into effect on January 1, 2025, and directly affect how people with disabilities can access medical services.

Specific Rights in the Medical System - Access to Quality Medical Services

Right to Free Medical Care

All persons with a disability certificate are entitled to comprehensive free medical care under the social health insurance system. This right includes:

100% Covered Medical Services:

Consultations with family doctors and specialists
Medical investigations (laboratory tests, imaging, functional explorations)
Outpatient treatments and hospitalizations
Surgical interventions and complex medical procedures
Emergency services and emergency medical transport

Compensated and Free Medicines: Persons with disabilities are entitled to free medicines for:

Treatment of conditions that caused the disability
Treatment of associated conditions and complications
Medication for concomitant chronic conditions
Preventive and maintenance treatments

Rehabilitation and Recovery Services

Physical Therapy and Medical Recovery

Minimum of 12 free sessions per year for each type of therapy
Possibility of extending the number of sessions based on medical recommendation
Access to specialized recovery centers
Home therapy for cases with very limited mobility

Speech Therapy and Occupational Therapy

Specialized services for speech and communication disorders
Occupational therapy for the development of personal autonomy
Cognitive and behavioral rehabilitation programs
Support for social and professional integration

Spa Treatment and Specialized Therapies

People with severe and profound disabilities benefit from:

One free spa treatment ticket per year at specialized resorts
Free transportation to and from the spa resort
Accommodation and meals during treatment
Specialized medical supervision throughout the treatment

Medical equipment and assistive technologies

Prostheses and orthoses

Lower and upper limb prostheses
Orthoses for the correction of deformities
Specialized orthopedic footwear
Corsets and support belts

Assistive technologies

Manual and electric wheelchairs
Medical beds and anti-bedsore mattresses
Hearing aids and cochlear implants
Alternative communication systems
Equipment for the blind (canes, talking watches)

Procedure for obtaining:

Medical evaluation by a specialist doctor
Completion of the application with the medical recommendation
Submission of documentation to the Health Insurance House
Approval and provision of equipment within 30 days

Practical Access Procedures - Step-by-Step Guide to Obtaining Services

Obtaining a Disability Certificate - Complete Procedure

Step 1: Preparing the Documentation

Documents required for disability assessment:

Application for assessment (standard ANPD form)
Identity card (copy and original for verification)
Birth certificate (for children under 18)
Complete medical documentation:

Medical letters from specialists
Results of medical investigations (tests, imaging)
Clinical observation sheets from hospitalizations
Reports from rehabilitation centers
Any other relevant medical documents

Step 2: Submitting the Application

The application is submitted to the General Directorate for Social Assistance and Child Protection (DGASPC) in the district/county of residence:

Online scheduling through the ANPD electronic system
Physical submission at the DGASPC counter between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Through a legal representative (with a notarized power of attorney)
By mail (with confirmation of receipt)

Step 3: Medical Assessment

The assessment is carried out by the Complex Assessment Service for Adults with Disabilities (SECPAH):

Convocation within a maximum of 45 days from the submission of the application
Multidisciplinary medical assessment (doctor, psychologist, social worker)
Functional assessment of abilities and limitations
Determination of the degree of disability and recommendations for recovery

Step 4: Issuance of the Certificate

The disability certificate is issued within 5 working days
Validity: 1-5 years, depending on the medical prognosis
Reassessment is done 30 days before expiration

Registration with a Family Doctor

Required Documents:

Disability certificate (copy and original)
Identity card
Insurance certificate (if available)

Registration procedure:

Choose a family doctor from the list of providers contracted with CAS
Fill in the registration form at the chosen medical office
Register in the family doctor's computer system
Obtain an insurance card with a note about the disability

Family doctor services for people with disabilities:

Regular and emergency medical consultations
Monitoring of health status and disability progression
Prescription of medications and medical investigations
Referrals to specialists
Completion of documents for social benefits
Health counseling and education

Access to Specialized Services

Referral to a Specialist:

Obtained from the family doctor based on medical evaluation
Validity: 30 days from the date of issue
Priority: persons with disabilities have priority for appointments

Appointment with a Specialist:

By phone to the chosen medical office or hospital
Online through medical appointment platforms
Directly at the medical facility's registry
Through your family doctor for complex cases

Specialized Medical Investigations:

Imaging: MRI, CT, ultrasounds, X-rays
Laboratory tests: complete and specialized
Functional explorations: EKG, EEG, spirometry
Invasive investigations: endoscopies, biopsies

Requesting Adapted Medical Transport

For people with severe mobility issues, free medical transport can be an essential solution for accessing medical services.

Eligibility Criteria:

People with severe disabilities and severe mobility issues
Low income that does not allow access to private transport
Need for transport for essential medical services
Lack of other accessible transport alternatives

How to Request Medical Transportation:

Contact specialized organizations such as Asociația Taxi Gratis
Fill out the request form with medical details
Provide the necessary documentation (disability certificate, medical appointment)
Confirm transportation at least 24 hours in advance

Specific Rights Based on Degree of Disability - Differentiated Benefits and Facilities

Severe Disability - Full Rights and Facilities

People classified as severely disabled benefit from the most comprehensive package of rights and facilities:

Financial Benefits (updated January 2025):

Monthly allowance: 528 lei (regardless of income)
Supplementary budget: 198 lei per month
Caregiver allowance: 2,363 lei per month OR the possibility of hiring a personal assistant

Transportation Facilities:

Free urban transportation on all public transportation and the subway
Free intercity transport: 24 trips per year by train (2nd class), bus, or ship
Transport alternatives: fuel vouchers worth up to 1,500 lei per year

Extended Medical Services:

100% free medical assistance for all conditions
Free medication for outpatient treatment and hospitalization
Free spa treatment ticket per year with transportation included
Priority for medical appointments and hospitalizations
Free medical equipment (prostheses, orthoses, wheelchairs)

Assistance Services:

Professional personal assistant or caregiver allowance
Home social services through DGASPC
Priority access to day centers and community services
Support for daily activities and personal care

Severe Disability - Benefits and Limitations

Financial Benefits:

Monthly allowance: 350 lei (regardless of income)
Supplementary budget: 146 lei per month

Transport Facilities:

Free urban transport on all public transport
Intercity transport: 12 free trips per year
Fuel vouchers: up to 750 lei per year

Medical Services:

Free comprehensive medical care
Compensated medication for main conditions
Access to rehabilitation services with a limited number of sessions
Medical equipment based on medical recommendation

Moderate Disability - Available Services

Financial Benefits:

No monthly allowance (only for children: 80 lei)
Tax breaks and local tax exemptions

Medical Services:

Medical assistance within the insurance system
Compensated medication for the main condition
Limited access to rehabilitation services
Basic medical equipment based on medical recommendation

Special Rights for Children with Disabilities

Financial Benefits for Children (updated 2025):

Severe disability: 463 lei per month
Severe disability: 232 lei per month
Moderate disability: 80 lei per month

Educational and Medical Services:

Specialized education in inclusive or special schools
Free school transportation adapted to the child's needs
Intensive and personalized recovery therapies
Psychological support for the child and family
Assistive equipment for education and development

Support for Parents:

Extended medical leave for childcare
Caregiver allowance for the parent caring for the child
Respite services for parents
Counseling and training for childcare

Common Challenges and Practical Solutions - Overcoming Obstacles in the System

Physical Accessibility Issues in Hospitals

Challenges Encountered:

Lack of access ramps and functional elevators
Narrow doors and corridors unsuitable for wheelchairs
Toilets inaccessible to people with reduced mobility
Parking lots without reserved spaces for people with disabilities
Inadequate signage for people with visual impairments

Concrete Solutions:

Check accessibility before scheduling:

Contact the hospital for information about accessibility
Request assistance from medical staff
Plan alternative routes in case of problems

Request reasonable accommodations:

Appointments on the ground floor of the building when possible
Assistance with moving around inside the hospital
Priority access to elevators and facilities

Use adapted transportation services:

Contact specialized organizations for medical transportation
Request wheelchair-accessible vehicles
Plan transportation well in advance

Difficulties Communicating with Medical Staff

Communication Barriers:

Lack of understanding of the specific needs of people with disabilities
Inadequate communication with people with hearing or speech impairments
Discriminatory or paternalistic attitudes on the part of staff
Medical information provided in inaccessible formats

Improvement Strategies:

Prepare for your appointment:

Write down questions and concerns before your visit
Bring a companion for communication support
Request sign language interpretation if necessary

Clearly communicate your needs:

Explain the type of disability and its impact on health
Ask for explanations in simple, accessible terms
Request information in writing or electronic format

Know your rights:

Right to complete information about your health
Right to a second medical opinion
Right to non-discriminatory treatment

Delays in Appointments and Treatments

Systemic Problems:

Long waiting lists for specialists
Frequent canceled or postponed appointments
Lack of coordination between different medical services
Complex and lengthy bureaucratic procedures

Practical Solutions:

Use your legal priority:

People with disabilities have priority for appointments
Explicitly request that this priority be applied
Contact hospital management in case of refusal

Diversify your options:

Look for multiple providers for the same service
Consider private services with CAS reimbursement
Explore national health programs

Monitor and document:

Keep track of all appointments and communications
Document delays and problems encountered
Report abuses to the competent authorities

Uncovered Costs and Additional Expenses

Unexpected Expenses:

Uncompensated or partially compensated medications
Medical investigations not covered by CAS
Transportation to and from medical facilities
Medical equipment with personal contribution

Cost Reduction Strategies:

Check coverage before treatment:

Confirm that services are covered by CAS
Request free alternatives to expensive medications
Learn about national health programs

Access support funds:

Local social assistance programs
Foundations and charitable organizations
European programs for people with disabilities

Use free services:

Free medical transportation for eligible individuals
Free counseling and psychological support services
Publicly funded rehabilitation programs

Available Resources and Support - Support Network for People with Disabilities

Relevant Public Institutions

National Authority for the Protection of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (ANPD)

Role: Coordination of national policies for persons with disabilities
Services: Disability assessment, monitoring of rights
Contact: www.anpd.gov.ro, telephone: 021.212.25.25
Headquarters: 12 Spiru Haret Street, Sector 1, Bucharest

General Directorates for Social Assistance and Child Protection (DGASPC)

Role: Providing social services at the local level
Services: Home services, day centers, personal assistance
Access: In every sector of Bucharest and in every county
Appointments: Through the online system or directly at the office

Health Insurance Houses (CAS)

Role: Administration of the social health insurance system
Services: Reimbursement of medical services, authorisation of treatments
Contact: CAS Bucharest: 021.319.76.00, CAS offices in each county
Online services: Appointments, verification of rights, medical history

Non-Governmental Support Organizations

Free Taxi Association

Services: Free medical transport for people with disabilities
Coverage area: Bucharest and Ilfov
Contact: 0769.551.385, [email protected]
Eligibility: People with low incomes and mobility issues
How to apply: Fill out the online form or call directly

Motivation Romania

Services: Wheelchairs, rehabilitation services, advocacy
Contact: www.motivation.ro, [email protected]
Programs: Provision of wheelchairs, training for users

Legal Resource Center (CRJ)

Services: Free legal assistance, advocacy for rights
Contact: www.crj.ro, [email protected]
Specialization: Rights of persons with disabilities, access to justice

Motivation Romania Foundation

Services: Medical equipment, rehabilitation programs
Contact: www.motivation.ro
Focus: People with spinal cord injuries and wheelchair users

Free Medical Transport Services

Eligibility Criteria for Free Transport:

People with a certificate of severe or profound disability
Income below the poverty line (below 1,000 lei/month)
Lack of own means of transport
Need for transportation for essential medical services

How to Access Services:

Assess eligibility based on the above criteria
Contact the provider at least 24 hours in advance
Provide the necessary documentation (disability certificate, medical appointment)
Confirm transportation details (time, addresses, special requirements)

Organizations Offering Medical Transportation:

Asociația Taxi Gratis: Bucharest and Ilfov - Request transportation
Romanian Red Cross: Emergency and medical transportation services
Local organizations: Check with the DGASPC in your area

Assistance and Counseling Programs

Psychological Counseling Services:

Individual counseling for disability adjustment
Family counseling to support the entire family
Support groups for people with similar disabilities
Vocational counseling for professional integration

Autonomy Development Programs:

Training for independent living (ADL - activities of daily living)
Mobility programs and spatial orientation
Courses on the use of assistive technologies
Support for social and community integration

Online Resources and Helplines

Useful Online Platforms:

ANPD Portal: www.anpd.gov.ro - official information and forms
SIIAS IT system: for appointments and checking entitlements
CAS Platform: for online medical services
Motivation website: www.motivation.ro - resources and practical guides

Helplines:

ANPD: 021.212.25.25 (general information about rights)
Child Helpline: 116.111 (for children with disabilities)
CRJ Helpline: for free legal advice
Emergency Service: 112 (for medical emergencies)

Useful Mobile Apps:

CAS App: for checking entitlements and appointments
Adapted transport apps: for requesting services
Medical monitoring apps: for managing treatments

How to Get Involved in the Community

Volunteering Opportunities: If you want to help improve the situation of people with disabilities, you can:

Become a volunteer at specialized organizations
Participate in awareness and advocacy campaigns
Provide peer-to-peer support to other people with disabilities
Contribute to the development of community services

Support the Cause:

Donate to organizations that provide free services
Promote the rights of people with disabilities in the community
Report discrimination and rights violations
Participate in public consultations on social policies

Conclusion - Key Points and Next Steps

Summary of Fundamental Rights

People with disabilities in Romania benefit from a solid legal framework that guarantees:

Essential Medical Rights:

Comprehensive free medical care within the social insurance system
Free medication for the treatment of primary conditions
Rehabilitation and recovery services tailored to individual needs
Medical equipment and assistive technologies to improve quality of life
Priority in appointments and preferential access to services

Financial and Social Benefits:

Monthly allowances differentiated by degree of disability
Free urban and interurban transportation
Personal assistance services and support for independent living
Tax exemptions and facilities for social integration

The Importance of Knowing and Exercising Your Rights

Why It Is Crucial to Know Your Rights:

Access to quality services depends on knowing your legal rights
Preventing discrimination through accurate information about legislation
Optimizing resources through the efficient use of available services
Personal advocacy to improve your own situation

How to Exercise Your Rights Effectively:

Thoroughly research the rights specific to your disability
Keep track of all medical and administrative documents
Communicate clearly with service providers about your needs
Seek support from specialized organizations when you encounter difficulties
Report violations to the competent authorities

Resources for Additional Information

For Legislative Updates:

Official Gazette - for real-time legislative changes
ANPD website - for official interpretations and updated guidelines
Legislative portal - for access to the full texts of laws

For Practical Support:

Specialized organizations - for direct services and counseling
Support groups - for sharing experiences with others
Local social services - for assistance in accessing your rights

For Emergencies:

112 - for medical emergencies
Free medical transport services - for urgent trips to the hospital
Legal assistance hotline - for serious violations of rights

Encouraging Action and Self-Advocacy

Concrete Steps You Can Take Today:

Check your current status:

Check the validity of your disability certificate
Check that you are receiving all the rights you are entitled to
Update your medical documentation if necessary

Plan your medical care:

Schedule routine appointments and regular checkups
Request the rehabilitation services you are entitled to
Assess the need for new medical equipment

Build a support network:

Identify relevant organizations in your area.
Contact medical transport services if you need them
Join support groups and online communities

Become an advocate for your own rights:

Learn to communicate effectively with the authorities
Document any problems or discrimination you encounter
Share your experience with others in similar situations

Final message:

The rights of people with disabilities in the Romanian healthcare system are real and enforceable, but they require knowledge and action to be exercised effectively. Do not hesitate to ask for the help you need—whether it is free medical transportation, legal advice, or simply additional information.

Every person with a disability deserves equal access to quality healthcare services. By knowing your rights and using the resources available, you can significantly improve your quality of life and contribute to building a more inclusive society for all.

If you need free medical transportation in Bucharest or Ilfov, contact the Free Taxi Association at 0769.551.385 or fill out the online form. We are here to help you access the medical services you need.

The Complete Guide to the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in the Romanian Healthcare System

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