Healthcare Abroad

Healthcare abroad

Did you know that as an EU/EEA citizen you have the right to access medical diagnosis, medical treatment, or prescription in any other EU/EEA country or Switzerland (also called cross-border healthcare)? When accessing health services abroad, you are free to arrange and pay for the treatment privately or under private health insurance. However, under EU law you may also be entitled to assumption of costs incurred abroad on behalf of your social security system.

Need emergency medical care abroad?

When travelling abroad, you may need emergency medical care due to sudden illness or an accident. Make sure you are well informed in order to have access to healthcare or claim reimbursement of health costs you paid for. Learn more...

Planned medical care abroad with prior authorization

As insured persons in an EU-social security system, you have the right to travel abroad for the purpose of accessing healthcare, also known as planned healthcare, especially in cases where the healthcare necessary is not provided domestically or its provision is not possible at the medically acceptable time for your state of health. In most cases, planned healthcare abroad requires the prior authorization of your statutory health insurance service. Learn more...

Moving abroad in the EU

If you are an EU citizen and plan to live in another EU country, keep in mind that you may find a different social security system, including health insurance coverage. The procedure you must follow depends on your case, the length of your stay and the terms of your current health insurance coverage. Before you go abroad, you should make sure that you understand well what applies to your case. Learn more...

Health services abroad

The EU countries are free to set their own rules on entitlements to healthcare benefits and services. To avoid serious problems and misunderstandings, check with the health services of another country or contact the national contact point for cross-border healthcare of the country you are visiting. Learn more...

Last Update: 21 December 2021