Patients’ Rights in Cross Border Healthcare Are Well Protected but Challenges Remain, EU Commission Report Shows
The report has confirmed that the directive has guaranteed equal treatment to all European patients when treated in another EU country. In addition, it confirmed that it provided for partial or full reimbursement of costs of care at cross-border healthcare facilities, AtoZSerwisPlus.com reports.
Commenting on the findings of the report, Commissioner for Health and Food Safety Stella Kyriakides said that the COVID-19 pandemic had shown the importance of cross-border EU solidarity in a time of crisis.
She also said that it is encouraging to see that the legislation of the EU is fulfilling its objective of facilitating equal access and treatment as well as quality healthcare for patients across the EU.
“We will now take action to tackle the remaining challenges and ensure that all patients can make full use of their rights to healthcare under EU law. Ensuring strong European cooperation in cross-border healthcare is an important part of our action to build a strong European Health Union, serving all patients,” Kyriakides added.
The Commission notes that the recognition of prescriptions in the EU and the right of patients to information on cross-border healthcare are further proof of the directive’s value.
Thousands of patients suffering from rare or complex diseases have been helped by the European Reference Networks. Moreover, residents of border regions have also benefited greatly from structured regional cooperation between healthcare providers and administrations that work together across borders to overcome the differences in the healthcare systems and meet patients’ needs.
Nonetheless, it has been emphasised that patients continue to face difficulties when seeking treatment abroad.
The main difficulties that the EU patients face are mainly due to uneven application of the directive, and extensive administrative procedures, among others.
“Patients continue to face difficulties when seeking treatment abroad, mainly due to the uneven application of the directive by EU countries, cumbersome administrative procedures and overly complex information on the best cross-border healthcare options available,” the Commission states.
The Commission website explains that all EU citizens who unexpectedly fall ill during a temporary stay in another EU country are entitled to any medical treatment that cannot wait until the traveller gets home.
EU citizens are advised to always take their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) with them when travelling abroad. The card proves that the holder is insured in an EU country.
