Health Care Abroad - Europe

Information on social security coordination between EU member states for obtaining medical coverage and planned health care...

Regulations on European social security coordination enhance cooperation between member countries, and reduce the number of documents needed for citizens. Form S2 is required for planned medical treatment, and  form S1 is used to register for health care. The EU has an introduction to the coordinated EU Social Security forms and claims process.

Form S1: Registration for Health Care Cover

A person living in one EU country, insured in another, can register for health care cover with the S1 form. This applies to pensioners retiring abroad, as well as families of a person working abroad.

Form S2: Planned Medical Treatment

EU-residents are entitled to planned medical treatment in another member country. In order to benefit from European health insurance agreements, the document S2, must be obtained from the health insurance institution of the country of residence. Coverage may vary depending on the type of treatment sought and the country in which it is to be received. Health authorities can clarify which costs will be covered. However in principle, costs are only covered for treatments recognised in the country of residence.

Hospital treatment

Hospital treatment in another EU country requires prior-authorisation from the health authorities of the country of residence. The cost of the treatment is covered under the terms of the country of treatment. In some countries, this means that some of the treatment has to be paid upfront by the patient, a cost that is reimbursed later (except in Switzerland).

Without prior authorisation, there is no guarantee that the cost for hospital care will be met.

Non-hospital treatment

Non-hospital treatment is possible with or without authorisation.

  • Treatment without authorisation: The patient meets the costs themselves and may obtain reimbursement later, on the basis of the rules in the country where they are covered for health care. If the treatment costs more in the country of treatment than in the country of residence, it is up to the patient to pay the difference
  • Treatment with authorisation: The costs of the treatment are met, with additional reimbursement if applicable. In the case of Switzerland this option is not available

Further Information