Reimbursement of Emergency Care in the EU for Residents of Westland

Reimbursement of Emergency Care in the EU for Residents of Westland

Residents of Westland with basic health insurance are entitled to reimbursement of emergency care in the EU during a short stay in another EU country, the EEA or Switzerland. With the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), you receive medical assistance under the same conditions as local insured persons, and your Dutch health insurer covers the costs. This article builds on Healthcare Abroad. For questions, Westland residents can turn to Juridisch Loket Westland for free advice.

What does emergency care in the EU entail?

Emergency care involves urgent medical interventions that cannot wait until you return to Westland, such as a heart attack, serious traffic accident or acute appendicitis. In the EU, EEA (EU plus Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein) and Switzerland, a special reimbursement system applies based on equal treatment: you receive care as if you were locally insured.

Always carry your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Without it, you may have to pay upfront and claim reimbursement later. The EHIC applies only to medically necessary emergency care, excluding elective treatments or routine dental care.

Legal basis

The scheme falls under the Health Care Insurance Act (Zvw), specifically Article 52 for care abroad in accordance with EU regulations. Central to this is Regulation (EC) No 883/2004 on the coordination of social security systems, with Article 19 covering 'urgent necessary stay' in emergencies.

Nationally, this is supplemented by the SZW Decree 2010-2012 (Article 3.1). The Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport assigns implementation to Zorgverzekeraars Nederland (ZN). For chronic care, use form S2, but for acute emergencies, the EHIC suffices.

• EHIC: For short stays (e.g., holidays).
• S1: For long-term stays (e.g., pensioners).
• S2: For planned treatments.

Overview of reimbursement options

Rights and obligations

Rights as a Westland resident:

• Access to emergency care without prior authorization.
• Reimbursement up to host country rates (maximum Dutch level).
• Refund within 3 months if paid upfront.

Obligations:

1. Present the EHIC.
2. Notify your insurer within 48 hours.
3. Keep all invoices.
4. Use only for genuine emergencies.

If violated, reimbursement may be limited to host country rates. For disputes, contact Rechtbank Westland or Juridisch Loket Westland.

Practical examples

Example 1: Accident in Spain
A Westland holidaymaker is injured near Barcelona. The hospital treats fractures; with EHIC, no direct costs, all handled via insurer like CZ. Deductible (€385 in 2024) follows later.

Example 2: Heart issue in Italy
Stent placement costs €5,000 locally; reimbursed €4,000 (Dutch rate). Difference at your own expense, unless covered by additional policy.

Example 3: Sick child in France
High fever leads to medication at emergency post. Fully reimbursed minus deductible; straightforward process.

NB: EHIC does not cover repatriation; take out travel insurance. See Travel Insurance and Medical Costs.

Step-by-step guide for emergency EU care

1. Present EHIC to healthcare provider.
2. Contact insurer via emergency number.
3. Request payment proof.
4. Submit via app or VECOZO portal.
5. Check reimbursement within 30 days.

Frequently asked questions

Tips for Westland residents

• EHIC digitally via app (Zilveren Kruis, VGZ etc.).
• Supplementary travel insurance for repatriation.
• Travel advice via Foreign Affairs app.
• In case of doubt: CAK (0900-9225), insurer or Juridisch Loket Westland.
• Consult Gemeente Westland for local healthcare info before departure.