This directive came into force in all EU countries on 25 October 2013. The objective is to promote the access of patients – and therefore their mobility – to high-quality cross-border healthcare in the EU. For instance, on the grounds of the guideline, patients do not always need prior permission. Furthermore, medical expenses are reimbursed based on the conditions of the statutory insurance of the country in which the patient is insured.
The directive stipulates that all EU countries must create a National Contact Point where patients can find information about medical care in that country. In addition, the directive encourages EU countries to collaborate. An important part of this collaboration is, for example, the mutual recognition of prescriptions for medicines and medical devices that were provided in another EU country. Within this framework, the country in which a patient is insured must also take measures to ensure the continuity of treatment in another country.
More extensive information about the directive can be found on the website of the European Commission.
More information can be found in the integral text of the directive (1-1-2017, pdf, 865 kB).