Published October 29, 2025
Halloween or not, some myths about European healthcare are truly frightening: 'everything's free,' 'the Carte Vitale works everywhere,' 'you don't need private insurance.' These false beliefs cost expats dearly. Here's a clear, human guide to understand your rights, avoid costly mistakes, and never find yourself uncovered abroad.
False. The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) grants access to public healthcare at local rates, not for free. You pay the same co-pays or patient fees as locals.
Example: In Portugal, a public doctor visit costs around €15. EHIC reimburses that rate—but not private comfort or transport.
Solution
Always check local healthcare costs before travel. If staying over 3 weeks, top up with travel or premium credit card insurance to cover gaps and emergencies.
Wrong. It only works in France. Abroad, use EHIC (temporary care) or S1 form (for residents abroad).
Example: French retirees in Spain must register their S1 to access Spanish healthcare locally.
Solution
Request your EHIC from ameli.fr at least 15 days before travel. Keep digital and paper copies. If moving permanently, apply for S1 immediately. For more details, check our comprehensive guide on European healthcare for expats.
Not quite. Standards differ: waiting times, technology, spoken languages, and admin steps. Germany: fast but costly. Italy: slower, cheaper.
Tip: Save contact info of an English-speaking hospital or clinic near you. In big cities like Paris, Berlin, and Madrid, such options exist but aren't automatic.
Solution
Identify a public hospital + private clinic nearby. Note the EU emergency number (112). Check if your insurance covers repatriation or translation assistance. If settling in a new country, read our guide on finding a family doctor and managing vaccinations.
Big mistake. EHIC and public systems cover urgent care—but not dental, optical, evacuation, or non-EU treatment.
Real story: Sarah, an expat in Geneva, needed medical evacuation to Lyon. Without private insurance: €4,800 bill. With her global policy: €0.
Solution
For long stays (>6 months) or remote work abroad, get international health insurance (April, Cigna, Allianz Care, Henner). Look for plans with:
Compare via European aggregators like Reassure.me or Selectra Santé—€30/month can save you thousands.
Often false. In Spain, Italy, or Germany, clinics require a local ID (NIE, Codice Fiscale, Anmeldung). Without it, you'll be billed as a private patient—not covered by EHIC.
Solution
Right after arrival:
1. Get your local tax/social ID
2. Register your address with city hall or local insurer
3. Carry a printed EHIC or policy card
Bonus: A phone photo of your card can help in emergencies.
Just like managing administrative paperwork abroad, good healthcare preparation prevents nightmares.
Before travel:
On site:
In emergency:
Ana, Portuguese student in Lyon, thought EHIC was enough. After surgery, she got a €1,200 invoice for non-covered fees. One student global plan could've halved that. Now she helps newcomers prepare properly.
If you're moving for study or work, also check our complete moving abroad checklist.
Europe's healthcare is excellent—but not automatic. Remember this trio: Plan, Proof, Protection. With a valid EHIC, a private top-up, and a local ID, you'll face no horror stories—just good care wherever you go.
For successful integration in your new country, discover our tips for building your life abroad and adapting to local culture.
Never. It only covers necessary treatment in the host country. Get travel or international insurance with evacuation and assistance.
Two years from issue date—always check before you travel.
No—EHIC only applies to public or state-contracted facilities.
Send original invoices with form S3125 to your home insurer. You have six months after treatment to file.
For more practical insights on this topic, explore our related articles:
Conclusion: European healthcare isn't free or identical—but it's among the best worldwide. Know your rights, keep your documents, and add the right insurance. In short: **Plan. Protect. Travel with peace of mind.**
1 tip per week, no spam.
Jules Guerini is a European expat guide sharing practical, tested advice for navigating life abroad. From admin to housing to healthcare, he focuses on simple strategies that actually work. Contact: info@expatadminhub.com
Across Europe, expats report rising health costs, longer waits and more complex paperwork. In 2025, the continent quietly widens the gap between nationals and newcomers. The good news: this gap is largely administrative and strategic, not medical, and you can close much of it with the right choices.
Read the article
Healthcare abroad isn’t luck—it’s a process. With the right documents and two habits (detailed invoice + digital folder), you get appointments and refunds without stress. This 2025 pillar compares FR/DE/ES/CH, explains when to use EHIC/GHIC, how to register as a resident, what S1/S2 cover, and how to act in emergencies.
Read the article
A single line in a new French law changes everything: France has ended free access to its public healthcare system for non-working foreign residents. Passed by 176 votes to 79, the reform now imposes a mandatory minimum contribution on retired foreigners, particularly from the U.S., U.K., and other G20 nations. Behind the vote lies both political intent—and deep concern among thousands of long-settled expatriates.
Read the article