Navigating Healthcare in Europe

It can feel quite overwhelming traveling to a new country and finding your way around, let alone navigating the healthcare systems in place.

IN THIS ARTICLE:
Does Europe have free healthcare for tourists? / Europe healthcare models / Getting healthcare in Europe / Public vs private healthcare / Does health insurance cover you?

In Summary:

Healthcare in Europe isn’t free for most tourists. Non-EU/EEA visitors (e.g. from the U.S. or Canada) usually utilize a travel insurance plan or may have to pay for treatment out-of-pocket.
Emergency care is generally available, but you may be billed if you’re not covered.
Healthcare systems differ by country across Europe, affecting access and cost.
Pharmacies can help with minor issues, so a doctor isn’t always necessary.
Public care is cheaper; private care is faster and often offers English-speaking staff.
Your U.S.-based health insurance may not provide coverage in Europe – a travel insurance plan is strongly recommended.

European countries approach healthcare differently, and while you don’t need to know every country’s system inside out, it’s good to know the essentials in case you find yourself needing medical attention. We’ll be looking at how to navigate Europe’s healthcare system to make sure you have a fun and safe trip, wherever you’re going.

First, let’s jump into a few of the important questions.

Does Europe have free healthcare for tourists?

While European countries are known for their high-quality and often publicly funded healthcare systems, that doesn’t mean visitors from outside the region can automatically access free care.

In most European countries, healthcare is funded through a combination of government support and contributions from residents. This means that citizens and legal residents usually receive medical care either for free or at a heavily subsidized rate.

However, tourists (especially those from the U.S. or outside the EU/EEA), will likely need to pay out of pocket for any healthcare services they receive unless they have the right travel insurance plan or specific coverage arrangements.

What care can you expect as a tourist?

Emergency care is usually available to everyone regardless of nationality. In most cases, you will receive treatment right away if you have a life-threatening condition, but you’ll still be billed for it later if you're not covered by an agreement or insurance.

Non-emergency care, such as seeing a doctor for a minor illness or injury, will typically require payment at the point of service. This can range from $40-$100+ USD depending on the country and the type of provider (public vs. private).

Some countries (like the UK or France) may offer limited care to tourists through reciprocal healthcare agreements, but these rarely apply to U.S. travelers.

Understanding healthcare models in Europe

Generally speaking, there are three main healthcare models across Europe: the Beveridge Model, the Bismarck Model and the National Health Insurance Model. Each model works a little differently, and it’s important to understand them before you jet off.

The Beveridge Model

This system applies to countries like Sweden, Denmark and the UK. Their healthcare systems are taxed-based, and their governments provide the bulk of the healthcare services. This technically makes them “free” for residents of these countries.

Emergency treatment is usually available in countries that use the Beveridge model, regardless of insurance. That said, non-residents may be charged for non-urgent care unless they’re from a country with a reciprocal agreement. EU visitors can use a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC - also known as a GHIC), while others will need to pay out of pocket.

The Bismarck Model

This system applies to countries like Germany, France and Belgium. It’s a bit more complex than some others, as it operates on a system of compulsory health insurance funded by employers and employees. The key feature is that these insurance funds are non-profit, and heavily regulated by the government to ensure universal coverage and fair access.

For tourists visiting Bismarck-model countries, healthcare is not automatically free, and EU/EEA residents can use their EHIC to access public healthcare at the same cost as locals.

However, non-EU tourists (including U.S. citizens, Canadians, Australians, etc.) are expected to pay out-of-pocket for treatment.

The National Health Insurance Model

Countries like Canada and Taiwan use this model, and it has also been adapted in countries like Italy and Norway. Under this system, healthcare is provided by private doctors and hospitals, but the government acts as the single insurer, paying for treatment through a national health insurance program. It’s funded through taxes, and everyone contributes.

This model is typically seen as the “best” one as there's only one payer (the government) and it means costs are kept lower and everyone has access to care.

If you’re travelling to countries with this model, you won’t typically qualify for free or subsidized treatment. You may be treated in public or private facilities, but you’ll be billed directly.

The main takeaway here is that healthcare in Europe is not free for most tourists, especially those visiting from the U.S., Canada or other non-EU countries. To avoid certain unexpected expenses, it’s highly recommended that you travel with a travel insurance plan that includes medical expense coverage.

Getting healthcare when visiting Europe

Whether you're dealing with a serious medical issue or just need to see a pharmacist, it's important to know how to access healthcare while you're in Europe.

We now know that many healthcare systems vary by country, but most offer a combination of public and private services, with public hospitals and clinics generally more affordable. Below, we break down what to do based on the severity of your medical need.

What to do if you have a minor illness

While it’s certainly not ideal, it’s not uncommon for you to pick up minor illnesses abroad! Whether it’s from a long plane journey, getting used to a new climate or something else, it’s important to know where you can get the right medication in Europe.

For minor illnesses, like a cold, mild flu or stomach upset, you don’t need to visit the emergency room. Instead, visit a local pharmacy (look for a green cross sign). Pharmacists in Europe can provide over-the-counter medications and advice for many minor conditions.

If a doctor’s visit is necessary, ask the pharmacy, hotel or a staff member wherever you’re staying to help locate a nearby urgent care clinic or general practitioner (GP). Many clinics accept walk-ins, but it’s a good idea to call ahead if you can.

What to do if you have a medical emergency

If you experience a medical emergency such as chest pain, serious injury, or difficulty breathing, then you must call your local emergency number right away. The number for emergency services in most European countries is 112, which works across the EU and connects you with police, fire or medical assistance.

Here are some steps to follow in a medical emergency:

Call 112 or the country-specific emergency line.
Clearly state your location, symptoms and if you’re alone.
If staying in a hotel or rental, contact the front desk or host, they may help communicate with emergency responders or accompany you to the hospital.
Bring identification and proof of insurance if possible.

Most hospitals offer at least basic English-speaking support, especially in major cities or tourist-heavy regions. For more information on how to stay safe and healthy during your trip to Europe, take a look at our travel safety information.

Getting prescription medication in Europe

Losing or running out of medication while abroad can be frustrating, but it’s not the end of the world.

Your first port of call should be to visit a pharmacy. Some medications that require a prescription in the U.S. may be available over the counter in Europe. However, if you need more regulated prescriptions like insulin or antibiotics, you’ll likely need to see a doctor first to get a new prescription.

Always try to bring a copy of your original prescriptions from home if possible. At least this way, if you do run out or lose your medication, pharmacists should have an easier time identifying and sourcing you a replacement prescription.

This is even more important if you’re diabetic - you can read our guide on traveling with diabetes to learn more about how to prepare for your trip.

Knowing the difference between public and private healthcare

Something else that will be very useful when traveling in Europe, is knowing the difference between public and private healthcare systems. Particularly because cost, access and even quality of care can differ depending on which one you use.

Let’s look at public healthcare in Europe first.

Public healthcare in Europe

Most European countries offer some form of universal public healthcare, funded through taxes or mandatory health insurance contributions. Here’s what travelers should know:

Access

Public hospitals and clinics are generally accessible to residents and, in some cases, tourists, though this often depends on whether you have an EHIC.

Quality

Public facilities typically provide high-quality care, although wait times for non-emergency services can be longer.

Costs for tourists

If you're from outside the EU/EEA, you may have to pay full price unless your travel insurance plan provides coverage, in which case you could be reimbursed. If you're from an EU country and carry an EHIC, you'll usually receive care at the same cost as local citizens (sometimes free).

Private healthcare in Europe

The biggest difference with private healthcare, is that they usually offer faster access and better care - or at least additional care that isn’t offered with public healthcare: Here’s a quick breakdown:

Access

Private clinics and hospitals are open to anyone who can pay out-of-pocket or has private insurance.

Speed and amenities

Private care often means shorter wait times, English-speaking staff and more personalized service.

Cost

It’s usually more expensive than public care, but your travel insurance plan may cover part or all the costs.

Which is best?

Well, that depends on what kind of medical care you’re looking for, as well as your budget.

For emergencies, public hospitals are typically the first point of contact and are well-equipped, but for non-urgent issues, some travelers prefer private clinics for convenience and speed, especially in major cities.

The good news is that if you have a travel insurance plan, you may be reimbursed for certain unexpected out-of-pocket costs and you’ll be able to access both public and private care if needed.

Will your health insurance cover you in Europe?

Before you jet off to Europe, it’s essential that you ask your U.S. medical health insurance provider whether your current policy will cover you while you're in Europe.

A travel insurance plan is built specifically for short-term travel. A travel insurance plan with emergency medical expense coverage can help pay for certain unexpected illnesses, injuries, hospital stays and even medical evacuation while you're abroad.

No two trips or travelers are the same.

That’s why we offer a range of travel insurance plans designed to fit different travel styles, needs and budgets.

Whether you're heading to Europe for a quick getaway, a luxury vacation, or simply a business trip, we have a travel insurance plan that’s sure to meet your needs. Our Essential, Preferred and Deluxe plans offer tiered levels of coverage, with benefits like emergency medical expense coverage, trip cancellation, baggage loss and 24/7 travel assistance.

To find the right plan for your next trip, explore our travel insurance plan options.

If you have more questions about what you will need for a quote or to purchase a travel insurance plan, visit our FAQs or give us a call at 800.826.1300. We’re happy to help!

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Navigating Healthcare in Europe

Does Europe have free healthcare for tourists?

What care can you expect as a tourist?

Understanding healthcare models in Europe

The Beveridge Model

The Bismarck Model

The National Health Insurance Model

Getting healthcare when visiting Europe

What to do if you have a minor illness

What to do if you have a medical emergency

Getting prescription medication in Europe

Knowing the difference between public and private healthcare

Public healthcare in Europe

Access

Quality

Costs for tourists

Private healthcare in Europe

Access

Speed and amenities

Cost

Which is best?

Will your health insurance cover you in Europe?

No two trips or travelers are the same.