European Healthcare System and Insurance Options for Expats (2024)

FAQs

European Healthcare System and Insurance Options for Expats? ›

Expats who need health insurance in Europe can choose between state-subsidized insurance or private health insurance in most countries. Some expats prefer a combination of both. If you want private insurance, consider leading health providers Cigna, GeoBlue, or Bupa.

No. Outside of emergency treatment, 'medical tourists' need to pay for the health systems in those countries their citizens get for free. If you have residency, you do gain access to Britain's National Health System (NHS). However, it's not completely free.

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.

Depending on the destination, some expatriates may need to consider country-specific health care regulations when researching coverage options. Some countries require residents to maintain local health insurance, while others may allow expats to purchase their own international health insurance.

One factor that has made it one of the best places to retire in Europe — and the world — is the quality (and cost) of its health care. According to International Living's latest 2024 Annual Global Retirement Index, Portugal ranked first in the health care category and second overall after the winner, Costa Rica.

In the European Union, for serious conditions (stroke, heart attack, bad car accident), summon an ambulance by calling 112, the universal emergency number for ambulance, fire department, or police. Most countries also have a 911 equivalent that works as well; for instance, in the United Kingdom you'd dial 999.

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.

Healthcare services received beyond U.S. borders are not covered. Medicare may cover inpatient hospital costs, ambulance services or dialysis for the following circ*mstances: You are in the U.S. when emergency treatment is needed and the closest hospital is in a foreign country (e.g., Canada or Mexico).

Your Compass Rose Medicare Advantage Plan covers care even when you're traveling outside the United States just as if you were in the United States. UnitedHealthcare will reimburse you for any covered services or prescriptions you may need while traveling minus any copays that may apply.

Can I use Medicare as an expat? ›

If you move outside the United States: Medicare Part A (hospital insurance), is available to you if you return. No monthly premium is withheld from your Social Security benefit payment for this protection. You can continue paying for your Part B benefits or drop them while out of the country.

A well-crafted expatriate compensation package will include most of the following elements: • Relocation expenses – Travel and household moving expenses for the employee and her family should be reimbursed (within reasonable limits), as should expenses to return home at the end of the assignment.

If you earned Social Security benefits, you can visit or live in most foreign countries and still receive payments. Look up the country on the SSA Payments Abroad Screening Tool to be sure you can receive your payments.

Portugal is the best country in Europe for retirement. It's one of the most affordable European countries because of its low cost of living. On average, the cost of living, excluding rent, is almost 29% lower than in the U.S., according to SmartAsset.

Countries with universal healthcare include Austria, Belarus, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Malta, Moldova, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom.

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.

Medical Escorts and Medical Evacuation

U.S. citizens seeking a medical escort could consult with the physicians or hospitals on this list to see about hiring a medical escort. If the patient requires additional assistance, he/she may decide to be medically evacuated and hire an air ambulance service.

Eligibility For Healthcare in Spain

If you're living and working legally in Spain, you'll have access to state-funded Spanish healthcare. Yes, this even applies to expats, digital nomads, and those not enrolled in traditional employment!

IMPORTANT: Anyone in the UK can receive treatment at an NHS facility, no matter their residency status. However, tourist visitors to the UK do not typically qualify for free NHS treatment. Any care beyond emergency treatment and certain other services will likely incur a fee.