Published November 12, 2025
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.
Key: status decides coverage, not preference.
Reminder: renew before holidays (peak season). See EHIC Renewal Made Simple (2025-11-02)
France (CPAM) — Online file on Ameli: ameli.fr after 3 months of stable residence. Declare a médecin traitant for better reimbursements. Carte Vitale → frequent third-party payment.
Germany (Krankenkasse) — Choose a fund (TK, AOK). Health card, often direct billing.
Spain (Seguridad Social) — Empadronamiento + social security number. Ministry of Health: sanidad.gob.es.
Switzerland (LAMal) — Mandatory insurance within 3 months: bag.admin.ch. Family doctor/HMO models → deductibles and premiums vary.
Scripts FR/EN — calling the practice
FR: "Bonjour, je viens de m’inscrire à [CPAM/Krankenkasse/Seguridad/LAMal]. J’ai besoin d’un premier rendez-vous et d’une facture détaillée. Parlez-vous [langue] ?"
EN: "Hello, I’ve just registered with [system]. I need a first appointment and a detailed invoice. Do you speak [language]?"
Internal links: Finding a doctor/dentist abroad (2025-11-07) and Healthcare for European Expats (2025-10-09)
Tip: scan forms and keep acknowledgments.
One-minute checklist: saved numbers, allergies/treatments in Notes, insurance/EHIC as PDF.
No. EHIC covers necessary care during temporary stays. Residents must register with the local system.
Sometimes—via S2 prior authorisation. Check timelines and eligible hospitals.
For more practical insights on this topic, explore our related articles:
Conclusion: Expat healthcare is simple when you follow status → registration → invoices → storage. With these habits, you move between systems without losing time or money.
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Jules Guerini is a European expat guide sharing practical, tested advice for navigating life abroad. Contact: info@expatadminhub.com
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