This Directive entered into force in all EU countries on 25 October 2013. The aim is to improve access to safe and high-quality cross-border care in the EU. This also increases the ability of patients to receive treatment in another country. According to the Directive, for example, insured persons do not always need prior authorisation. In addition, healthcare is reimbursed on the basis of the conditions of statutory insurance in the country where the patient is insured.
According to the Directive all EU countries should have a National Contact Point. Patients can contact them for information about medical care in that country. In addition the Directive also encourages EU countries to work together. An important part of this cooperation is, for example, that EU countries accept each other’s prescriptions for medicines and medical devices. The country in which the patient is insured must also ensure that they can continue treatment in their own country if they have received treatment in another EU country.
More extensive information about the directive can be found on the website of the European Commission.
More information can be found in the complete text of the directive (1-1-2017, pdf, 865 kB).