Accessing healthcare in Europe requires understanding how national systems differ, what changes when you leave the NHS and how visas and residency rules affect your eligibility. This guide explains state healthcare, the limits of GHIC/EHIC cards, S1 coverage, private insurance options and the key steps for registering in your new country.
Accessing healthcare isn’t something we necessarily want to do, but it is something that we will have to do from time to time. When people move abroad, each healthcare system that is encountered will differ from what is familiar in the UK as every European country has its own healthcare system including the rules for registering residents and expectations for insurance coverage.
While medical care across Europe is generally of a high standard, it is essential to understand that services, access pathways, documentation and waiting times can differ significantly from the NHS.
Planning early will help you avoid gaps in cover and make the transition to your new country as smooth as possible.
This guide provides general information only. It is not medical, insurance or legal advice. Healthcare rules differ between countries and can change and you should refer to official government information for specific information on each country’s healthcare system. The NHS website also has information to help you regarding the role of the NHS when you leave the UK.
Europe is not a single unified healthcare system. Each country runs its own model, typically a combination of:
Some systems are contribution-based, others insurance-based and some use regionally administered models.
Knowing how your destination works is essential because it affects:
In many European countries, residents gain access to state healthcare once they register locally and contribute to the national insurance or social security system. The process usually involves obtaining:
State systems often include GP access, hospital treatment, emergency care and maternity services. However, the range of services, expected co-payments and waiting times differ by country.
Private medical insurance is used by many newcomers to European countries to:
Some expats use international providers with broad networks. Others choose country-specific insurers. Options commonly used by expats include providers such as Feather or Expatriate Group, but suitability depends on personal circumstances and local systems. These references are included only for context, not as recommendations.
Private health insurance is often most useful:
Some expats choose international medical cover. Others use local insurers. Providers such as Feather or Expatriate Group are examples of companies used by expatriates, depending on destination, but the right option depends entirely on your situation.
While every country has its own healthcare model, EU membership influences certain shared processes:
This is one of the reasons we treat healthcare planning as a country-specific task, not a “European” one.
The UK’s Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) and any valid EHIC provide access to medically necessary state healthcare when visiting EU countries. It is important to recognise that:
Once you become resident in a European country, you must follow that country’s process for healthcare registration.
Some British citizens moving to Europe may be eligible for an S1 form, which allows the UK to fund certain state healthcare costs. Eligibility is limited and typically includes:
The S1 must be applied for through the UK authorities and registered in your destination country. It does not cover private care, and the scope of coverage varies between countries.
For those who do not qualify, private insurance often fills the gap until local state healthcare eligibility begins.
Many European countries now require proof of comprehensive health insurance as part of the visa or residence permit process, particularly for:
This insurance must usually be valid from the moment you enter the country, not after registration. Policies must often:
Failing to provide acceptable proof of health insurance can delay or prevent your application.
The process varies by country but typically includes the following steps:
Processing times can range from a few days to several months. During that period, private insurance is often necessary to avoid gaps in coverage.
Family coverage rules differ between countries. In some systems, children are included automatically once a parent is registered. In others, each family member must register individually. Partners may need to show their own insurance unless they qualify as dependants under local rules.
If you have children, elderly relatives, or family members with ongoing medical needs, it is important to clarify:
Each country has its own approach to prescription requirements, availability of medications and reimbursement systems. If you or your family members take regular medication, ensure you:
Some medicines available in the UK may have local alternatives or may require a local specialist to approve.
In some countries, dentistry is included in the state system, but in many it is part of the private sector. Optical care varies widely too. Even where state systems cover these areas, co-payments can be common.
Private insurance can support access to a wider range of clinicians, English-speaking specialists and reduced waiting times, depending on the plan.
A simple timeline for structuring your healthcare preparations:
