Always contact your health insurance provider first. They should tell you what is the best option for you to have treatment in the Netherlands: according to European Regulation 883/2004 (the Regulation) or to Directive 2011/24/EU (the Directive).
Treatment in the Netherlands according to the Regulation
In any case, your health insurance company must give you prior authorisation. You will then receive an S2/E112 form from your health insurance company. You will show this form to the healthcare provider in the Netherlands. This way he knows that you are entitled to the treatment and that your health insurance company pays the costs.
Treatment in the Netherlands according to the Directive
Even then, your health insurance company may require you to ask for prior authorisation. If you do not, the costs may not be reimbursed.
Your health insurer can also provide you with information on:
- conditions for permission;
- how you will be reimbursed; and
- what else you should take into account if you want to undergo treatment in another EU country.
You'll find more information on the websites of the:
Toolbox for patients
For patients wishing to go to another EU country for medical treatment, the European Commission has made a toolbox. This toolbox has information on everything related to cross-border care. For example, European legislation on cross-border care. Or practical things to think about if you want to be treated in another EU country.
The toolbox consists of a manual and several documents. These include a glossary, a checklist and an overview of frequently asked questions and answers. You will find this information on the right of this page under “Documents”.
Video
The European Commission has also made a short video. This video shows what you need to pay attention to when you are treated in another EU country. A link to the video can be found on the right of this page under “See also”.
Please note
You cannot use the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) if you come to the Netherlands for treatment. With the EHIC you will only be reimbursed for medical care that is necessary if you are already in the Netherlands. For example, if you're here on holiday.
Would you like to know more about this? Please contact Zilveren Kruis by phone: + 31 (0)33 445 68 70 or by e-mail: gbr@zilverenkruis.nl.