Free medical tests for uninsured people in 2026: what CNAS covers and what conditions must be met

People who do not hold insured status within the public health system may, under certain conditions, access consultations, tests, and investigations reimbursed by the National Health Insurance House (CNAS), without paying any contribution. In recent years, these entitlements have been extended, particularly for preventive services, cancer screening, and infectious disease testing.

According to CNAS and the Ministry of Health, access to these services is governed by current legislation, with the process typically beginning with a consultation at a GP surgery, followed, where there is a medical indication, by a referral.

What services can uninsured people access free of charge

Uninsured individuals are entitled to tests and investigations recommended by their GP during preventive consultations, where there is a medical indication, as well as preventive services included in the minimal package. Tests and investigations required to detect and confirm a suspected cancer are also covered, alongside specialist consultations relating to a possible oncological condition. GPs may issue referrals for laboratory tests, imaging investigations, and specialist consultations, all of which are funded through the social health insurance system.

In addition, uninsured people may be tested free of charge for hepatitis B and hepatitis C. Pregnant women also have access to HIV testing, on the basis of a referral issued in accordance with CNAS provisions. The Ministry of Health has stated that people with symptoms suggestive of viral hepatitis B and C may be tested free of charge regardless of their insurance status, the aim being to increase the number of cases detected at an early stage.

How to obtain free tests

To access these services, an uninsured person must be registered with a GP – either by re-registering with their previous GP, if they were once insured, or by choosing a different GP.

During the consultation, the GP determines whether any tests or investigations are necessary. If so, they issue a referral to a laboratory or specialist, using the CNAS codes for prevention, suspected oncological conditions, or hepatitis testing. Tests must be carried out at a laboratory under contract with the Health Insurance House, with costs covered by the National Unique Fund for Social Health Insurance.

How a person without income can obtain health insurance

Those without income who wish to access the full package of medical services can obtain insured status by submitting the Single Declaration (Declarația Unică) to ANAF and paying the social health insurance contribution. Once payment has been registered, insured status can be verified in the CNAS database.

The law also provides for categories exempt from paying the contribution: children, pupils, and students who meet the legal requirements, pregnant women or new mothers without income, as well as other categories protected under special legislation. CNAS recommends that all uninsured people attend their GP regularly for preventive consultations, as the early detection of serious illnesses such as cancer or viral hepatitis can significantly increase the chances of recovery.

The cost of voluntary insurance in 2026

People without income who do not fall into an exempted category may take out voluntary insurance. In 2026, the cost is 2,430 RON for 12 months, representing 10% of the calculation base of 24,300 RON – equivalent to six gross minimum wages applicable at the start of the year.

To obtain insured status, the Single Declaration (form 212) must be submitted to ANAF, with the option for payment of the social health insurance contribution selected. Upon submitting the declaration, 25% of the contribution is payable – approximately 608 RON – with the remaining 75% to be paid by the statutory deadline.

Insured status is acquired from the date the declaration is submitted and is valid for 12 months. Before paying the contribution, people without income are advised to check whether they already fall into a category that is insured without paying CASS, such as children, certain categories of students, pregnant women without income, or other persons protected by law.