What You Need to Know About Healthcare in Europe Before Relocation: Systems, Insurance, and Medical Tourism

Europe’s healthcare system is rightfully considered one of the most advanced in the world. It offers a wide range of medical services not only for EU citizens but also for non-residents. In this article, we will look at the key aspects of healthcare, the accessibility of services, important details of medical tourism, and how obtaining residency or citizenship can make access to quality healthcare much easier.

When it comes to healthcare in Europe, several models can be identified:

• Public systems. For example, France and Germany pride themselves on publicly funded healthcare systems, where the quality of medical services is among the best in the world. Most of the expenses are covered by taxes, making healthcare almost free for citizens.
• Mixed models. In the UK, public and private services coexist, giving patients the option to choose between free basic care and private medical services.

Another major advantage of European healthcare is the well-developed system of emergency care. In most EU countries, a single emergency response network operates, available not only to citizens but also to foreigners.

In many EU countries, having health insurance is a requirement for obtaining a residence permit. For instance, in Germany it is impossible to legally work or even stay without insurance.

• Public insurance covers basic healthcare expenses.
• Private insurance provides broader access and faster treatment in private clinics.

It is crucial to research the health insurance market in advance and ensure your policy covers key services such as emergency care, hospitalization, and specialist consultations.

The cost of healthcare varies significantly across countries:

• France and Germany — world-class medicine, but at higher costs.
• Hungary and Malta — increasingly popular among medical tourists thanks to high quality and much lower prices.

Demand for European healthcare is rising — more people are traveling abroad for treatment.

• Popular destinations: Hungary, Malta, and Spain.
• Advantages: access to services unavailable at home and significant savings on treatment.

Obtaining a residence permit or citizenship in the country where you plan to receive treatment can greatly reduce costs and simplify access to healthcare.

Healthcare in Europe combines world-class medicine, advanced infrastructure, and flexible options for foreigners — whether through medical tourism or full relocation. But the key factor is proper preparation: insurance, documents, and knowledge of residency rules.

Want to know which European country will give you the best access to healthcare along with opportunities for living and working? Book a consultation with Visa Dan. We’ll design a personalized plan — from choosing the country to arranging residency and health insurance.