WHAT TO DO IF YOU NEED A DOCTOR OR AN AMBULANCE IN UKRAINE

So you’re in Ukraine, learning the language, trying борщ, and suddenly you don’t feel well. Don’t panic! The Ukrainian healthcare system can be surprisingly efficient, and this is your perfect chance to learn some useful Ukrainian words and phrases.

Public and private healthcare

Ukraine has both public (державна) and private (приватна) healthcare.

In public hospitals, medical care is officially free — безкоштовно. You can see a doctor (лікар), get emergency help (швидка допомога) or even stay in the hospital (лікарня) without paying.

In practice, you might be asked to buy some small items yourself, like шприци (syringes) or рукавички (gloves).

Private clinics (приватні клініки) are faster, often speak English, and provide high-quality service. A consultation (прийом у лікаря) usually costs between 400–1000 гривень (UAH).

Useful phrases:

Мені потрібен лікар. — I need a doctor.

Де найближча лікарня? — Where is the nearest hospital?

Чи можна записатися на прийом? — Can I make an appointment?

Скільки коштує прийом? — How much is the visit?

Calling an ambulance

In an emergency, dial 103 — that’s the Ukrainian ambulance service (швидка допомога).

If you don’t speak Ukrainian, try saying:

Швидка! Мені погано! Я за адресою... — Ambulance! I feel bad! I am at the address...

If someone near you speaks Ukrainian, ask them:

Будь ласка, викличте швидку. — Please call an ambulance.

Seeing a doctor

You can visit your сімейний лікар (family doctor) or go directly to медичний центр (a medical center).

To register for an appointment:

Я хочу записатися до лікаря. — I’d like to make an appointment with a doctor.

Коли є вільний час? — When is the next available time?

У мене болить живіт. — I have a stomachache.

Мені потрібен рецепт. — I need a prescription.

Tests and procedures are usually done quickly — blood tests (аналіз крові) or ultrasound (УЗД) can often be done the same day.

When you arrive at a hospital, go to the reception (реєстратура) and say:

Мені потрібно до лікаря. — I need to see a doctor.

У мене запис на прийом. — I have an appointment.

Я іноземець. — I am a foreigner.

Чи ви говорите англійською? — Do you speak English?

Common medical phrases:

Мені боляче. — It hurts.

У мене температура. — I have a fever.

Я маю алергію на... — I’m allergic to...

Мені потрібні ліки. — I need medicine.

Де аптека? — Where is the pharmacy?

Можна рахунок, будь ласка? — Can I have the bill, please?

A few cultural notes

Ukrainian doctors are usually very kind and practical. They may not smile much, but they care deeply.

You might hear “Не хвилюйтеся!” — “Don’t worry!” — even when you are a little worried.

If you stay overnight in a public hospital, bring your own капці (slippers), чашка (cup), and рушник (towel).

Vocabulary list

Ukrainian healthcare can be a mix of traditional and modern, but it’s generally accessible, affordable, and full of kind people who will do their best to help. Learning a few key phrases will not only make your visit easier but also impress the staff.

So if you ever need to call швидка допомога or see лікар, remember — language is also part of healing.