Plan wins approval
Actually, it is already possible to seek healthcare abroad under certain conditions, since the European Court of Justice has enforced the rights of European patients for many years. However, the EU lacks a common legislative agreement and the future guideline is to fill in this gap.
The objectives of this framework will be to:
- provide sufficient clarity about patients’ rights to be reimbursed for healthcare provided in other Member States;
- ensure the necessary requirements for high-quality, safe and efficient in cross-border cases;
- strengthen the European cooperation on cross border healthcare to be realised effectively and on a sustained basis.
The draft directive states that European citizens have the right to seek ambulatory medical treatment (e.g.: dental care, visits at the optician or at the general practitioner) in another Member State without having to obtain their health insurance company´ s approval in advance. The costs will be reimbursed up to the level they would have received for the same treatment in their home country.
In case of hospitalization, Member States may chose to introduce a system of a prior authorisation for the reimbursement of the costs of hospital care – excepting special cases like patients with rare diseases or disabilities. Member States should define what hospital care is. Usually, hospitalisation implies treatment that requires a stay of at least one night in a hospital or a clinic.
The establishment of a net of national contact points for information and of a European Patients Ombudsman.
To improve patients´ confidence in the European health market, they must receive appropriate information on all important aspects of cross border healthcare by being provided with concrete help on the spot.
It will therefore be easier to receive qualified information before making a decision to get medical treatment abroad as well as to receive assistance in case of any conflict with health insurance companies or persons providing medical aid.
Even though this guideline has been approved by the European Parliament in April 2009, it might not come into force before 2010- 2011.
