Which European Countries Offer the Best Health Insurance?
The majority of European countries have similar standards of care. However, there are some gaps between the western and Nordic areas and the southern and eastern parts of Europe. In the top 7healthiest countries (Switzerland, Netherlands, Norway, Denmark, Belgium, andFinland, according to the2018 Euro Health Consumer Index), the standards regarding wait times, accessibility, and preventative care far outstrip the scores from those at the bottom of the list (Poland,Hungary, Romania, and Albania). A rural clinic in Albania may feel very rustic indeed compared to an urban hospital in Denmark. However, on the whole, visitors and expats receive excellent care.
Some more detailed health information in the following regions:
While the European Union isn’t responsible for providing healthcare, it does pass laws which do affect healthcare and health standards. For instance, the EU is responsible for laws regarding food safety, consumer rights, and anti-smoking regulations. So while it doesn’t have a hand in, say, wait times in French hospitals or the number of pediatricians in Spain, it does play a strong role in influencing public health, public safety, and environmental standards.
There is a strong spirit of cooperation that ensures that European citizens can access emergency healthcare services when they are visiting neighboring countries. All European Union member states, plus some additional non-member countries, offer their citizens aEuropean Health Insurance Card.
The EHIC card allows for reciprocal emergency medical treatment when the holder is visiting another European country. It does, however, come with some limitations. It doesn’t include coverage for elective services. And it also excludes any care that can safely wait until you return home. It’s not appropriate coverage for when you travel to another country specifically to receive healthcare, perhaps enticed by a particular treatment program or specialty clinic. It really is designed just to provide emergency care at little to no extra cost to the European patient.
To be eligible, it’s not enough to hold a European passport. You have to be a legal resident who is eligible for healthcare services in whatever country you reside in. If you’re an expat who has local healthcare insurance, this includes you. However, if you rely exclusively on private international care, you wouldn’t be eligible and therefore should carry traditional emergency medical travel insurance.
Travel Medical Plans offer visitors to Europe less comprehensive cover at a more affordable price. Read aboutEurope Travel Insurance for those of you traveling to the following countries:
If you are traveling outside of Europe, make sure you have atravel insurance plan to cover you while abroad.
Health Insurance for Expats and Foreigners Living in Europe
Assuming you do not have the benefit of a European Health Insurance Card, or you want greater access to a wider range of medical care facilities, you may want to consider a private international medical insurance plan from European insurance companies that will cover your medical expenses in your country of residence and anywhere else in the world. International citizens living in Europe have many options for their global medical coverage. Expats and foreigners have unique needs and concerns when considering European medical insurance plans.
Cigna International is a great option as its global headquarters are located in Glasgow.
GeoBlue Xplorer plan is a great insurance plan for US citizens living in Europe. They will provide the option to purchase up to 9 months of coverage in the USA if requested, as well as worldwide.
Pharmacies play an important role in European healthcare. The role of a pharmacy or apothecary is often very different from that of a drug store, which focuses more on toiletries than medication. Pharmacists are trusted to provide medical advice for minor problems and illnesses. While they are often not open on weekends or evenings, they always post information for a pharmacy that offers after-hours medical care.
Attitudes towards healthcare and health, in general, can vary from country to country and indeed by the individual. But, in general, locals indulge in some habits that have long been ingrained in North American thinking as unhealthy, such as smoking, drinking, and consuming high quantities of bread, butter, and cheese. However, Europeans also embrace many healthful habits that many North American eschew, such as daily walking and cycling, buying a high percentage of local, seasonal produce, avoiding processed and genetically modified food, and taking time for relaxation and improving mental health. As a foreigner or expat, it can be a bit surprising to navigate the cultural differences between what’s considered healthy versus indulgent but it’s all part of the fun of travel!
Free health care is somewhat of a misconception. First, health care in each country is determined by the country and their individual governments. So both the costs and quality will vary widely. Second, all citizens will contribute to covering the cost of the national insurance plan. So, although you may not have to pay for treatment in certain circumstances, it is not free. Finally, the national health plans in each country are designed for citizens, not foreigners nor expatriates. Immigrants may qualify for local national plans in Europe but there are often strict requirements and eligibility requirements. As a foreigner in Europe, it makes sense to research health care systems in different countries and see if you will qualify at some point. Until then, purchase a privateinternational health insurance plan to cover you and your family while living in Europe.
Author / Editor:Joe Cronin, Founder and President ofInternational Citizens Insurance. Mr. Cronin, a former expat, is an authority in the areas of international travel, and global health, life, and travel insurance, with expertise in advising individuals and groups on benefits for today's global workforce. Follow him onLinkedIn orTwitter.
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