European Healthcare System & Insurance Options - Expat Financial (2024)

European Healthcare System – Health Insurance Options for Expats

Most European countries offer high-quality healthcare to their residents irrespective of their economic and social status. The European healthcare system is well-equipped to even compete with the top private health insurance companies. Citizens who can’t afford to purchase insurance coverage are offered government subsidies. All the countries within the European Union also offer a European Health Insurance Card to their citizens. This card offers insurance cover for medical emergencies if a citizen visits any participating country within Europe.

Healthcare Systems in Various Major European Countries

Belgium – Czech Republic – Croatia – Denmark –France – Georgia –Germany – Hungary – Ireland – Italy – Malta –Spain – Poland – Portugal – Russia – United Kingdom – Ukraine – Greece – Sweden – Norway – Slovakia – Finland – Bulgaria – Austria– Estonia– Latvia– Slovenia- The Netherland

Understanding European Healthcare System – Information for Expatriates in Europe

If you are traveling to Europe, you can rest assured that you will have easy access to good healthcare facilities that you usually enjoy at your native place. The best part is the majority of medical professionals in this continent speak English; so, communication shouldn’t be an issue.

Almost all the countries in Europe have a universal healthcare system. There are people who call it a “free healthcare” system but it is actually not free. Each nation has its own variation; however, a common feature is that everyone has to pay for healthcare as a society. This is meant to reduce and spread the overall medical expenses and burden so that the unlucky few don’t go bankrupt while paying for medical services.

This ensures that lower-income Europeans will be able to secure healthcare services, which they otherwise can’t afford. Many expats are not allowed to go onto the local health system for the European country they are staying in OR simply want private and global medical care. Learn more about health in Europe via the EU Public Health Page.

Emergency Assistance in Europe

In the case of a road accident or any life-threatening health problem, you should go to a hospital immediately. You should call an ambulance for serious medical conditions such as car accident injuries or cardiac arrest. European Union’s universal emergency number is 112 and it is common for the ambulance, police, and the fire department. You can also call 911 in certain European countries during emergencies. Ask your hotelier or someone around you to call an ambulance if you can’t do it yourself.

If you have international health insurance, you may not have to shell out a lot of money during a hospital visit. However, medical treatment can be very expensive and will depend on the place you are staying in and the treatment you need. Don’t forget to carry a copy of your medical bill when you return to your native place. You can get it reimbursed by filing a claim. If you have travel insurance cover, you should call up the insurance company immediately and report about your injury or mishap. They would get in touch with the hospital where you are being treated and pay for your medical expenses.