Information about European Health Care for US Residents
One of the biggest changes you will encounter when moving abroad is health care. European health care is very different than the United States’ healthcare system. Before deciding to move abroad, review the health care system of your new country. Prepare to adjust your previous assumptions about health care services in Europe compared to America.
To begin, you must keep in mind that not all countries in Europe use the same health care system. Although European health care seems like a whole coverage for the EU, every country has its own independent system.
You can begin by assuming that taxation will be very high on the other side of the pond and that there may be universal health care in countries you move to. Germany is a well known European country that has the world’s oldest national health care system.
The Netherlands is an example of a country that has a dual-level system. Long term care that includes taking care of the elderly and the mentally ill is covered socially while all primary care including doctors and hospital visits is covered privately. Overall, Europe’s health system is a large bonus when moving there. A lot of expats choose to move to Europe because of this exceptional quality and it’s important to have knowledge of this system before your move.
A lot of countries in Europe offer publicly funded health insurance. Taxation is the primary means to cover cost and everyone has the option for health care no matter what their situation. Depending on the country, social health care can cover part of or all of prescription medication. In the Netherlands, you must take out a basic level of insurance as an expat within four months of moving to the country. Expatica.com explains that companies cannot refuse coverage no matter what your age or health status. The federal government funds these companies in this situation.
Another country that covers your health care is France. France is one of the best countries in the world for health care and if you work, you will receive all of your health care free. In France, typically 20% of an individual’s gross salary goes toward social security costs which include health care.
Switzerland is a great destination because health care is exceptional. Once you move to Switzerland, you must get health insurance within the first three months of living there. On average, 8% of your income will go towards your health care. Additionally, in Switzerland, each individual family member must be covered and you can’t use umbrella coverage. Depending on your country, you can change your insurance plans about once a year and can also supplement them with private insurance if needed.
Private Insurance
Private insurance is taken out by those in European countries that need specialty care when not offered for free. In the Netherlands, you will need private insurance to cover doctors visits and specialty visits.
Differing is France which covers all medical occurrences such as dentistry. In France, some individuals choose to purchase private insurance to cover the percentage the government does not cover for prescriptions. Usually this percentage is pretty low such as 35-60%. A lot of people visit France from other countries and pay privately for the top hospitals in the world. In Switzerland, you can purchase private health insurance but it comes at a very high price. Once you move to your new home abroad, you can learn more in depth about your countries’ policies and determine if you would like to purchase private insurance for you and your family.
Health Care Specialists
Some countries will cover specialty health services such as dermatology appointments and psychiatrist visits while others only cover basic doctors office visits. Unfortunately, in the Netherlands specialists are extra and you can take out private insurance to cover them. France is considered top tier because all specialist appointments are free of charge including psychiatry and dentistry. It is really important when moving to a new country to ask what specialty services are included in your health care and which ones aren’t.
Overall Healthcare
Overall, health care in Europe is making huge advances compared to the United States. When moving, you should look into your countries health care system and determine what will bepublicly funded, if you should supplement it with private insurance and which specialty health care services are offered. If you determine these three things, you’ll be on your way to embracing your new countries health care system in no time.
Be aware that you will likely have to pay out of pocket for any medical treatment, even if your insurance company provides international health care coverage. A visit to the emergency room can be free or cost only a nominal fee, or it can be expensive, depending on where you are and what treatment you need.
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.
Ireland. Ireland's healthcare system is dual, consisting of public and private options and stands among the European Countries with Best Healthcare for Expats. Regulated by the Health Service Executive (HSE), the public system had a €21 billion budget in 2022. Healthcare expenditure was 6.1% of GDP in 2021.
U.S. health insurance plans typically do not cover regular and routine medical care required overseas. This means your health insurance won't pay for care if you need to visit a doctor for a prescription medicine, or if you need treatment for a condition that is not considered an emergency.
The European Union's universal emergency number is 112. If you are not experiencing an emergency but would like to see a doctor you can go to a clinic and talk to a receptionist about your issues and why you'd like to see a doctor. You will likely have to wait but will be seen by a doctor or physician.
If you need medical treatment while you're in another EU country, presenting your European Health Insurance card (EHIC) can simplify payment and reimbursem*nt procedures. With your EHIC you can get healthcare - and claim reimbursem*nt for the costs you incur - on the same terms as nationals of the country you are in.
The nearest US embassy or consulate can help travelers locate medical services and notify your friends, family, or employer of an emergency. They are available for emergencies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, overseas and in Washington, DC (888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444).
When a U.S. citizen becomes ill in Italy and requires assistance to fly back to the US, he/she could hire a medical escort. Generally, when a medical escort is hired, a physician with basic medical equipment accompanies the patient on board a commercial airline flight.
Special care if you become ill or injured while traveling
Contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for a list of local healthcare providers and medical facilities. If your illness is serious, consular officers can help you find medical assistance. If you want, they can inform your family and friends.
It's internationally recognised for its research in conditions ranging from disorders of the nervous system, cancerology and oncology, emergency care, and care for the elderly. Overall, the European countries with the most high-ranking hospitals were Germany, Switzerland, and France.
How much does international health insurance cost? The annual cost of an international medical insurance plan will range from as low as $500, with limited benefits, to as much as $8,000 for a comprehensive global medical insurance policy, including coverage in the USA. The average cost is $5,500 per year.
In general, United States health insurance plans don't carry over to other countries. Once you leave the United States, you'll need additional protection so you can get medical care if needed while you're abroad. The best way to do that is to get a travel health insurance plan.
Medigap plans cover foreign travel emergency care that begins in the first 60 days of your trip. They pay 80 percent of the billed charges for specific medically necessary emergency care you receive outside the U.S., but you must first pay a $250 deductible for the year.
While there are no AARP travel insurance products or discounts available for seniors, members can use the AARP website for trips and tricks on how to plan for international travel and information regarding how to choose the right insurance plan for older travelers.
The U.S. government does not pay overseas medical bills. The patient must pay all hospital and other expenses. You can find lists of doctors and hospitals in the country you are visiting. Check the website of the U.S. embassy in the country you are visiting.
Remember, anyone in the UK can access treatment at NHS medical facilities. However, non-emergency NHS services may not be free for visitors to the UK. A physician that can treat all common medical conditions, prescribe medication, and refer patients for specialist treatment is known as a GP in the UK.
Your health plan must cover emergency care no matter where you are and what hospital you go to. Some limitations may apply to emergency services received outside the United States. In addition, you may be moved to a hospital in your health plan's network when you are stable enough to be moved.
Introduction: My name is Merrill Bechtelar CPA, I am a clean, agreeable, glorious, magnificent, witty, enchanting, comfortable person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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