When traveling to Europe, a common misconception tourists often have is that they can access a European country’s universal healthcare system. While the doctors in Europe are not going to turn a tourist away, you may be expected to pay out-of-pocket costs if you do not have a valid medical insurance plan. This is where a travel insurance plan with medical coverage can come into play.
What You Will Learn in This Guide:
- Understanding that universal healthcare is a system for European residents funded by taxes, and not necessarily free for tourists
- How European doctors treat tourists and the potential for high out-of-pocket expenses, including specialized rates
- Why your domestic health insurance or Medicare likely won’t help you once you leave the country
- What to look for in a travel insurance policy and how to compare plans to find the best fit for your trip
What is Universal Healthcare in Europe?
Universal healthcare in Europe means that all EU citizens and residents have access to quality health services, whenever and wherever they are needed, without causing financial hardship. It is primarily publicly funded through taxes or mandatory insurance, rather than being “free” at the time you need medical care.
Almost all countries in Europe have universal healthcare. Residents of a country in the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), and the UK can access another European country’s universal healthcare system using the European Health Insurance Card if they are temporarily staying. This means that they can either get medical care for essentially free or at a reduced rate while they are traveling to another country in Europe.
Can Tourists Use Europe’s Universal Healthcare System?
The short answer is yes, but not how you think. A doctor in Europe may not turn you away for medical treatment, but tourists may have to pay out-of-pocket, and sometimes a larger expense for care compared to a European resident.
For example, if you need hospital treatment while you are visiting the United Kingdom and are coming from the United States, visitors are expected to pay at 150% of the national NHS rate. The UK government especially advises visitors to the UK to have an appropriate medical insurance or travel insurance plan that will cover them abroad.
What Happens If a Tourist Gets Sick in Europe?
If you are in urgent need of medical assistance, call the European emergency number: 112, which is similar to the United States’ 911. This number can work across all European countries, and they will forward you to the appropriate service you need. You can also call 116117, which is the urgent care number available 24/7 across Europe for non-urgent medical assistance. If you have a travel insurance plan for Europe, make sure to keep a physical copy of it with you, including your policy ID number.
The cost of medical treatment can depend on the severity of your emergency, private vs public hospitals, and whether you need to stay overnight. In general, visitors to Europe can expect to pay an estimated amount of the following for various types of treatment:
General Practitioner: $32–$108
Urgent Care: $65 to $195
ER Visit: $108 to $430+
Hospitalization: $703 to $2300+
Will My Domestic Health Insurance Cover Me in Europe?
Most domestic health insurance plans, especially for seniors who are on Medicare, may not cover you abroad. While it ultimately depends on the health insurance provider you have, it is important to check before your trip to Europe if you will truly have coverage in case of a medical emergency. However, if not, you may want to consider a travel insurance plan that can cover you while you are in Europe.
What is the Best Travel Insurance for Europe?
The best travel insurance for Europe will cover you in case of a medical emergency, medical evacuation, and coverage for any potential trip disruptions such as theft. Travel insurance for Europe can also cover:
- Trip cancellation
- Trip delay
- Trip interruption
- Missed connection
- Rental car damage
- Lost or delayed baggage
- Pre-existing conditions
Best Europe Travel Insurance for Pre-Existing Conditions: Trip Protection Choice
Best Comprehensive Travel Insurance for Europe: iTravelInsured Travel LX
Best Cheap Travel Insurance for Europe: Pathway Premium
How Can I Get Travel Insurance for Europe Online?
Purchasing travel insurance is made easy with VisitorsCoverage’s quote tool. To compare plans side-by-side, first input your trip details into our travel insurance comparison tool with your destination, travel dates, the number of travelers, and their ages, and your total prepaid, nonrefundable trip cost.
After you submit this information, a variety of travel insurance plans will be displayed. You can then select the “Compare” box to view these plans side-by-side and make a more informed travel insurance decision for your trip to Europe.
If you need any assistance, our team of experienced travel insurance specialists is ready to answer your questions and can guide you in finding the best travel insurance for your European trip.
- Universal healthcare in Europe is designed for EU citizens and residents, while tourists are generally expected to pay for their care
- While doctors will not turn you away in an emergency, you may be charged significantly more than a resident
- The best travel insurance for Europe should cover medical emergencies, evacuations, and trip disruptions like theft, cancellations, or delays
