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The EU Cross Border Directive

Allows EU patients to access healthcare services in other EU/EEA countries and get reimbursed by their home country. Here is who is eligible

 

  • Any patient covered by a national health system in the EU/EEA is eligible. 

  • The treatment must be one that is available under your home country’s public health system. 

Find Treatment Abroad

Patients can seek treatment in any EU/EEA country. The provider must be regulated under that country’s healthcare system. Treatment Options source the treatment on your behalf

Pay for Treatment Upfront: 

Patients generally pay for the treatment upfront in the foreign country and then submit the claim for reimbursement afterward. Finance is available from your local credit union for your treatment. 

Treatment Options Consults Your National Contact Point (NCP) on your behalf: 

  • Treatment Options contacts your NCP to ensure the treatment is covered and get information on reimbursement and necessary steps. 

  • Some treatments may require prior authorization, such as hospital stays or specialized care. 

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Submit for Reimbursement: 

  • Patients can claim back costs up to what the treatment would have cost in their home country. 

  • Reimbursement is managed through the Health Service Executive (HSE). Treatment Options submit the required paperwork to the HSE on your behalf, ensuring a stress free reimbursement is processed 

Don't Forget

  • Prior Authorization: Required for more complex treatments, hospital stays, or specialized equipment use. 

  • Reimbursement: You will only be reimbursed up to the cost of the same treatment in your home country, even if the treatment abroad is more expensive. 

  • Upfront Payment: You must usually cover all costs upfront and claim reimbursement afterward. 

This directive provides patients with faster access to healthcare by allowing them to bypass long waiting lists at home, offering flexibility in choosing where to receive care within the EU​ 

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