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Cross-border Healthcare

In March 2011, a new Directive was adopted by the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union: Directive 2011/24 on the application of patients’ rights in cross-border healthcare. The Directive sets out the conditions under which a patient may travel to another EU country to receive safe and high quality medical care and have the cost reimbursed by their own health insurance scheme. It also encourages cooperation between national healthcare systems.

The links below provide further information about cross-border healthcare:

Overview

EU citizens have the right to access healthcare in any EU country and to be reimbursed for care abroad by their home country.

Directive 2011/24/EU on patients’ rights in cross-border healthcare sets out the conditions under which a patient may travel to another EU member state to receive medical care and reimbursement. It covers healthcare costs, as well as the prescription and delivery of medications and medical devices.

More Information

Furthermore, there is another avenue that patients can use to obtain medical care in another EU member state, namely the Social Security Regulation (EC) 883/2204. Read the following manual on how to use both legislation and to understand the pros and cons of each.

Manual for Patients: Patient’s right to accessing healthcare in any EU*/EEA* country

FAQ: for good patient information provision on cross-border healthcare

Patients' Rights Leaflet

You have the right to receive medical treatment in another EU Member State and the right to have your home country cover some or all of the costs.

You have the right to be informed about the treatment options open to you, how other EU countries ensure quality and safety in healthcare, and whether a particular provider is legally entitled to offer services.

Find out more

Q&A On Patients' Rights

The law clarifies patients’ rights to access safe and good quality treatment across EU borders, and be reimbursed for it. Patients travelling to another EU country for medical care will enjoy equal treatment with the citizens of the country in which they are treated.

Read a document on Q&A on Patients’ Rights;

Q&A on Patients’ Rights 

National Contact Points

In order to get more information about cross-border healthcare you need to make contact with the national contact point in your country. Find out where your national contact point is:

National Contact Points

Your Europe Healthcare

Visit the ‘Your Europe Healthcare’ page to find more information about planned healthcare, unplanned healthcare and prescription medicine for when you are travelling.

Your Europe Healthcare

Disclaimer

The information found in this page are disseminated for informative purposes. If you are considering traveling to another EU member state to obtain treatment, it is essential to contact your national contact point for support and guidance.


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