How do EU citizens claim healthcare bills in the Netherlands with the EHIC?
I know that when one has a European Health Insurance Card, he can get free or discharged treatment in all EU (+ few other) countries. This is quite clear.
However, I'm interested in what is the actual procedure: do I have to pay at the hospital and claim the money later, or do they simply not charge me anything or how is it?
(I'm asking because I'm Czech now in the Netherlands and I need to visit a specialist, I've got some serious ear inflammation.)
Best Answer
I don't think there is one generic answer for EU as a whole. In many countries you just have public health system, so you just go to public clinic, present your EHIC and get attended. End of story.
This is not the case for the Netherlands, as the health system here is complicated. Clinics are private, financing is dual (private insurance for more immediate care, public for long-term hospitalization etc.). In the Netherlands everyone has got to have private insurance and pay at least €90/month in premiums for the core package, while extended packages with full care and dental can go up to €150-200/month. Even with full package you're still charged (often quite a lot) for many things, although visiting general practitioner (huisarts in Dutch) is not one of them.
So in theory consult ought to be free if you show your EHIC upfront, but as I've said, clinics are private and it may vary. Fact that clerks are typically xenophobic doesn't help your case. Anyway, if you're going to have to pay upfront for visiting doctor, you can expect to have to pay somewhere between €50 and €100. Just remember to go to GP (huisarts), not to emergencies at a hospital.
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Can I use my European Health Insurance Card in Netherlands?
The EHIC is valid in member states of the European Union (EU), Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. The EHIC is not valid in the country where you live.How do I claim my EHIC money back?
To apply for a refund of the contribution, you will need to contact the Department for Work and Pensions Overseas Healthcare Team on 0191 218 1999 or overseas.healthcare@dwp.gsi.gov.uk. You will normally have to pay treatment costs upfront and get reimbursement of eligible costs from NHS England.What does my EHIC cover me for?
An EHIC or GHIC covers state healthcare, not private treatment. With an EHIC or GHIC you can get emergency or necessary medical care for the same cost as a resident in the country you're visiting. This means that you can get healthcare at a reduced cost or for free.Do EU citizens get free healthcare in Europe?
As an EU citizen, if you unexpectedly fall ill during a temporary stay in another EU country - whether on holiday, a business trip or studying abroad - you are entitled to any medical treatment that can't wait until you get home. You have the same rights to health care as people insured in the country you are in.EUROPEAN HEALTH INSURANCE CARD | EHIC | A QUICK GUIDE
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