Can I travel to EU countries for medical treatment?

Can I go to EU countries to get medical help?

Yes, you can go to countries in the EU if you need to see a doctor or have treatment. It is a good idea to tell your doctor before you go. You may need to show some forms or papers.

Before you travel, ask for help if you are not sure what to do. You can use things like picture cards or ask someone you trust to help you understand what to bring and what to do.

If you find reading hard, you can use large print, simple lists, or speak to someone who can explain things clearly.

Do I need a visa to go to an EU country for medical care?

Are you planning to visit an EU country to see a doctor or get treatment?

You might need a special travel paper called a visa. A visa is a stamp or sticker in your passport. It gives you permission to enter another country.

Check the country’s website or ask an adult to help you. You can use a computer or ask a support worker to help find out if you need a visa.

What papers do I need for a visa to get medical care in the EU?

If you want to travel to the EU for medical care, you will need to show some papers. Here are the main things you might need:

• Your passport, so people know who you are.
• A letter from your doctor. The letter should say why you need treatment and what kind of care you need.
• A letter from the hospital or clinic in the EU. This letter should say they will treat you and tell you the dates.
• Papers to show you can pay for the treatment.
• Travel insurance to help you if something goes wrong while you are away.

If you find it hard to get these papers or fill in forms, you can ask someone you trust for help. You can also use a checklist or picture cards to remember what you need. If you need support reading or writing, there are apps that say words out loud or help you fill in forms.

Can I bring someone to help me when I get medical treatment in the EU?

Yes, you can bring someone with you to help you, like a family member or caregiver.

It is a good idea to tell the hospital or doctor before you arrive that you are bringing someone with you.

You can also ask for extra help, like:

• Easy-to-read signs and information
• Help with travel, like taxis or transport
• Translation help if you do not speak the language

If you are worried or need help, ask someone you trust to come with you and help you talk to the doctors.

Can I use my medical insurance in the EU?

Do you have medical insurance? If you are travelling to a country in the EU, ask your insurance company if they will help you if you get sick or hurt there.

You can also bring someone you trust to help you ask, or write down your questions before you call.

Can I travel to the EU for medical reasons? Are there any COVID-19 rules?

If you need to go to a country in the EU for medical care, there may be rules because of COVID-19.

These rules can change. You might need to:

• Show proof you had a COVID-19 vaccine.
• Show a COVID-19 test result.
• Wear a face mask.

Ask someone you trust to help check the latest rules. You can also use pictures or simple checklists to help remember what to bring.

How can I find a hospital or clinic in the EU for treatment?

If you need to find a hospital or clinic in the EU (European Union), you can:

• Ask your doctor for help.
• Look online for hospitals or clinics in the country you want to go to. You can use search engines like Google.
• Talk to a friend or family member who can help you search.
• Use simple words when you search, like “hospital in France”.

You can use tools like maps on your phone or computer to find places. You can ask someone you trust to help you talk to the hospital or make a plan for your visit.

Can you use the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for planned medical treatment?

The EHIC lets you get healthcare if you are in another European country and you become sick or hurt while you are there.

If you want to travel just to get medical treatment, the EHIC does not usually cover this.

If you need planned treatment in another country, you should speak to your doctor first. They can help you find out what to do. Someone you trust can also help you with this.

You can use tools like talking to your doctor, asking a family member, or calling a helpline to get help.

Can people from outside the EU get medical help in EU countries?

If you do not live in an EU country, you can still get medical help in an EU country. But you might have to pay for it. Sometimes, you need special papers, like a visa or travel insurance.

It is a good idea to ask the hospital or doctor what you need before you go. You can ask a friend, family member, or support worker to help with this.

You can also use tools like simple checklists or picture cards to help you remember what to bring or ask.

Will I have to pay for my medical care in the EU?

If you go to a doctor or hospital in an EU country, you might need to pay some money. Sometimes you can get help to pay for this. Take your EHIC card or GHIC card with you. You can ask someone you trust or use a translation app to help you talk to doctors and understand what’s happening.

How long can I stay in the EU for medical treatment?

You can go to the EU for medical treatment. How long you can stay depends on your doctor and your treatment. Ask your doctor how long you need to stay. Make sure you tell your hospital or clinic when you plan to go home. If you are not sure, ask someone you trust to help you understand the rules. You can use tools like calendars or notes to remember important dates.

Can people get help with language in EU hospitals?

If you go to a hospital in the EU from another country, you might need help speaking the language. Some hospitals can give you help, like an interpreter. An interpreter is someone who helps you understand and talk to doctors and nurses.

You can also use tools like translation apps on your phone to help you understand.

If you need help, ask a nurse or doctor for support.

What happens if I need to go back to the doctor after treatment in the EU?

If you have seen a doctor in another EU country, you might need to go back for another visit.

If you do, talk to your doctor or nurse. They will help you understand what to do next.

You can ask someone you trust, like a friend or family member, to help you remember your appointments.

It can also help to write down important dates or use a calendar, so you don't forget your follow-up visit.

Can I get medical care in all EU countries with a Schengen visa?

If you have a Schengen visa, you can travel to countries in the Schengen area. You may be able to get medical care there.

But the Schengen visa may not let you get treatment in every EU country. Some countries have special rules. Check the rules of the country you want to visit before you go.

If you find things difficult to understand, you can:

• Ask someone you trust to help you read the rules.
• Use simple language websites or translation tools.
• Contact the embassy of the country you want to visit for help.

Can I travel in the EU after my medical treatment?

You may want to travel in the EU after your medical treatment.

First, talk to your doctor. Ask if it is safe for you to travel.

You might need to take medicines or see a doctor while you travel.

You can ask for help from friends, family, or staff if you need support.

Try using a travel checklist or a reminder app to help you remember what you need.

What happens if your visa ends when you are still getting medical treatment?

If your visa runs out while you are still seeing a doctor or getting treatment, do not worry. You should get help right away. Tell your doctor or hospital. Ask for help from someone you trust, like a friend or support worker. You can also get advice from a charity or ask for help from a lawyer. It is a good idea to have someone with you when you ask for help.

You might be able to stay longer because you are getting treatment. Try to keep all your papers and letters about your treatment safe.

If you find reading hard, you can ask someone to read this with you. You could use a highlighter to pick out important words. There are also apps that can read things aloud to you.

Can people from the EU get medical care in any EU country?

If you are from an EU country and live in another EU country, you might be able to see a doctor or get medical help in any EU country. Check before you travel. Bring your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or similar documents. You can ask someone you trust to help you with forms or talking to doctors.

Do I need permission before getting medical treatment in another EU country?

If you want to get medical help in another EU country, you might need to ask for permission first. This is called 'prior authorization.'

Ask your doctor or local health office if you need this before you go. They can help you with the forms.

You can also use pictures, simple checklists, or ask a friend or carer to help understand what to do.

Are the rules for children and older people different for medical travel to the EU?

Sometimes, the rules for travelling to the EU for medical treatment can be different for children and for older people.

If you are planning a medical trip, it is a good idea to ask a doctor, a carer, or a family member for help. You can also use pictures, ask someone to read the information with you, or use voice tools to help you understand.

When should I ask for a visa to get medical help in the EU?

If you need to go to the EU for medical treatment, you should ask for your visa as soon as you can. This helps you have enough time to get all your documents ready and wait for your visa to be approved.

You can ask someone you trust to help you with your visa application. You can also use pictures and lists to keep track of what you need. If you find forms hard to understand, ask someone to read them with you or use a computer reader.