All the important details you need to know about health insurance

Many people wake up to their daily routine without giving a damn to pose and reflect on what their life really means. If there is anything that would be a priority in our daily schedule then it is our health. No wonder you will always see health enthusiasts easting selectively, observing diet, exercising a lot and avoiding junk. When health is compromised, all dreams literally come down shuttering-that’s just how critical our health is.

It should however not be surprising that people will spend dollars on dollars on expensive stuff in life, plan savings for a vacation to exotic destinations but forget their health. Luckily, you are here to just have a feel of and hurry to get your health insurance now. Without a proper health insurance that takes into account comprehensive care needs, we can well say that someone is just but a disease away from poverty.

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Health insurance in Europe means a lot

Enough of admonishing those who don’t regard or prioritise on their health. There is some good news that health insurance provides a leeway to ensure that no disease will sink you into the life of a pauper. You probably know a few people whose lives, investments, family…name it have all been ruined by disease that gobbled up every penny available. The unfortunate bit could be that even after taking up all the large sums of money, the patient still ends up dying. 

In much of Europe, countries have done their best and mobilised all available resources for healthcare insurance. As part of the social security system in European countries, people do not have to go into their pockets to pay for most of the common diseases. 

The concept of the European social model strictly agrees with the belief that economic progress and social progress should and must go together. While European nations do not operate on a single social model, the states tend to operate on similar broad characteristics when it comes to welfare issues. For this reason, you will find that the aspects of social protection, inclusion, and democracy are ranking high among the European nation economies. A great example is universal healthcare and other strong welfare programs like insurance policies. Health is important and not like i.e. tires for your car that can be easily replaced according to Dekkportal.com.

The social protection in Europe

Other than just being a great continent, Europe has some of the very great social protections that major on the welfare of the Europeans. Many people living in Europe have at least one or more insurance covers to take care of them in any extraordinary situation. If you have any plans to relocate to Europe then know that it is a norm to have a health insurance cover.

The beauty that comes with insurance in Europe is the promptness in the way the insurance companies are in paying out claims. There is absolutely no way you can be frustrated about signing up for a health insurance policy. Well, health insurance is a contract that requires your insurer to pay part or whole of your healthcare costs for the premium. Health insurance in Europe will keep you safe and healthy as you don’t have to worry about any issue concerning your health bills.

The Healthcare System in Europe

In every European country you will possibly find a healthcare system and each and everyone has access to a healthcare facility. There are family doctors, health services, and medicines available in the system at a very affordable rate. If by any chance you are caught in between a medical emergency, you are free to call 112. This is the European Union’s universal emergency number.

The European healthcare standards are generally quite high and you will always get the needed care that you seek at all times. However, there are some people who still like to go to private hospitals to seek care as they don’t want to wait in line for long. One thing worth noting is the fact that local healthcare insurance is not always sufficient enough to offer you comprehensive health coverage. This is the main reason you should consider other options like European health insurance or expat health insurance.

Healthcare in Europe is not free, mark that

There is a misconception that healthcare is free in Europe. First, you must take note that the healthcare system for every European country is determined by each country independently. So, it is quite prudent that the healthcare quality and costs by each European country will vary greatly. If you must know, each citizen of any country in Europe has a part to play in covering the costs of the universal healthcare system.

What stands out however is that, even if you may not pay for your treatment on some occasions, healthcare in Europe is not free. The basics are that the national health plans for every European country are made for citizens and not for foreigners or expatriates. However, as an immigrant you can qualify for a spot in the local national healthcare plans in Europe. But until then, you need to have an international health insurance plan to cover you and your family while living in Europe.

How Healthcare Works in Europe

The European nations have a typical universal healthcare. WHO believes that each and every person is entitled to an equal access to quality healthcare that improves their quality of life. A universal health care therefore, vouches for every citizen of a particular country in Europe to have equal access to quality healthcare. This way, the patients seeking care don’t cause any financial limitations to those who are receiving it. 

Despite the existence of a universal healthcare system in Europe, there exists numerous differences in healthcare systems across the continent. Each country in Europe has designed its own way of organising its insurance companies, hospitals, and doctors. However, even with the difference, European healthcare is designed based on a similar goal. The essence is to ensure that each and everyone has access to equal basic health services.

An expat in Europe? Your public healthcare services will be similar as locals

If you are in Europe, then you are rest assured that you will always be included in every aspect involved in the healthcare system. This is true even with the partly private healthcare systems. An individual responsibility is defined to ensure that healthy people are in the system to purposely help offset the costs of the sick. Yes, it basically defines a universal healthcare system.

Majorly, in Europe, most workers and businesses pay huge tax remittances to the government. Well, it always plays a very significant role in the welfare of people of a nation, and for this it does in the healthcare system. Regardless of the existing healthcare system, Europe’s healthcare is highly funded by tax from the public and various employers. However, this cannot always be enough, thus the presence of other sources. For instance, federal funds, insurance companies, and taxes from alcohol and tobacco. 

Universal Healthcare System Operation and Control in Europe

Infamous Single-Payer System

In this healthcare system of universal healthcare, the government is the sole provider of funding to type of universal care. In this case, the government becomes the health insurance provider. However, healthcare is provided by private bodies. Most hospitals would be privately owned as healthcare practitioners operate on their own. Sometimes, there could be some government run hospitals.

In Europe, most people are always forced to take on private insurance plans as long as their incomes allow. It helps in supplementing the government provided healthcare cover. Approximately more than half of the population in Europe have a supplemental policy or are enrolled on their employer-sponsored healthcare in addition to the universal healthcare in Europe. 

The universal healthcare system may fail to cover for other essential services like eye and dental care, rehabilitation, and homecare services. So, your supplementary policy cover will help you access these services that universal care may not provide for you.

Government Controlled Universal Healthcare

In this form of healthcare system, the government has control of the health insurance and the health insurance providers. In this case, the government is the sole insurance provider. Additionally, the state runs hospitals and employs healthcare providers such as doctors. This form of universal healthcare system is what is common in Europe. Most of the European states like France, Spain, Italy, Sweden, Norway, and Britain have adopted this system. 

If you happen to be in any of the above countries, you will be enrolled in the national healthcare system. A greater portion of your medical services will be provided for you at no cost by doctors employed by the government. However, in some European countries, there are some allocations left for the private insurance companies to run. 

If you can afford it, you can willingly purchase and insurance cover

It is only those who can afford the private insurance company premium that would be left to purchase it willingly. Doctors are even allowed to run their private practices without any interference. France depicts a substantial private system with a mixture of statutory insurance systems.

If you are a French citizen, you are automatically eligible for statutory health insurance through employment. However, retirees, students, unemployed adults formerly employed all together with their families are granted eligibility for this as a benefit. If you are in France and fall under these categories then there is no way you would be exempted from the statutory health insurance system.

Privatised and Regulated Healthcare

This is yet another very vibrant healthcare system common in Europe’s Germany’s healthcare system. This system offers the most options in terms of public and private choices. If you are employed in Germany and your annual earnings are below €57,600, then it is a requirement to enrol in the German public health insurance. 

While in France it is called statutory health insurance, in Germany it is the German health insurance. The good thing that comes with this is that your dependents and spouses even if not working will be covered as well and not any additional costs. For those earning more than the above stated annual earnings, you are free to seek an additional private health insurance. However, most Germans have the preference for the public option.

Health Insurance Operation in Europe 

Nothing can ever beat the strong spirit of cooperation that ensures European citizens have access to emergency healthcare services. All the EU member states together with the other countries in Europe that are not member states have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) made available for their citizens. A guaranteed healthcare across European countries is the key significance that Europe offers to her residents. 

Have your EHIC updated and at hand

Any European holder of this card travelling to other counties in the EEA, EU, UK, and Switzerland, should have their EHIC updated and at hand. What this card does is to allow you access reciprocal emergency medical treatment when you visit another European country. However, EHIC has some limitations that come with it. First, it fails to include elective services coverage. Secondly, it also excludes any other care that could safely wait till getting home. 

EHIC costs absolutely nothing

The EHIC costs absolutely nothing but will offer you access to healthcare in the whole of Europe including the UK and Switzerland. Yes, once you move to Europe and manage to get your permanent resident permit or citizenship, you will need to have an EHIC. This personal document will grant you access to almost all health services across Europe. There is no way that someone can use your EHIC to access healthcare services and you cannot issue it as a give-away either.  

What EHIC Doesn’t Cover

EHIC is not your private EU travel insurance and you shouldn’t use it as one at any point in time. Yes, it is true that your EHIC can give you access to healthcare services all over Europe. However, there are some costs and circumstances that your EHIC will and may not cover. For instance;

  • Private health insurance covers
  • Body repatriation costs
  • Return ticket in case of any cancellations
  • Any losses connected to theft of personal belongings
  • Healthcare services that are not also free in your own country
  • Cost of treatment especially when your trip was only meant for medical purposes.

How to Obtain your EHIC

Through your national health insurance provider, you will be able obtain your EHIC. Every European country has its own operating system and procedure on applying for and obtaining your EU health card. It is very important that you apply for your EHIC in your country of citizenship. Alternatively, you can apply for it from where you have your permanent residence.

All the European countries often have three alternatives to offer and this card application can be made through;

  • An online application
  • In person application
  • Application by phone

Contact your national healthcare provider who will give you instructions and steps to follow as you make your application. Every family member should make their own application of an EHIC of their own. Just remember that you cannot use another person’s card but only yours, hence every person should have their own.

How the EHIC Works

Some people would travel from their country to another country just within Europe to seek treatment using their EHIC. Maybe they believe in and trust that their health solutions will be solved perfectly in their European country of choice. However, if you are a European citizen or an eligible person for permanent residence and finds yourself in need of medical attention abroad, all you need is to produce your EHIC. Present this card at any medical centre. This card is only relevant if the country is a participating country. 

When the medical administration confirms your details to be correct and up to date, you will be attended to. You will receive healthcare services like any other local patient. So, when travelling outside your country, but within Europe, ensure to bring with you your medical card and carry it with you all the time. 

More details about EHIC

The validity period of your EHIC is usually up to 2 years but this is not always the case. The expiry date of your card is found at the back side of your card and it is very easy. However, the validity of the EHIC may depend on a number of factors;

  • If you are a foreigner but a resident within the EEA, EU, or Switzerland
  • Your current public benefits stand at
  • If you having any economic difficulties

One point to note is that, the validity of your EHIC and how long you are entitled to getting healthcare abroad while in Europe, are totally two different things. Nevertheless, the healthcare coverage duration while you are abroad within Europe is up to 3 months. However, there can be some special cases for consideration. For instance, you are a student completing your official course or program abroad or if you are a worker relocated by your employer for an extended duration of time. 

Who is Suitable to Have Healthcare Insurance in Europe?

The European healthcare insurance is available and suitable for;

  • Expats
  • Everybody staying in Europe and abroad for close to a year or more
  • Digital nomads
  • Globally mobile citizens living and working outside their home country for a longer duration
  • All active people, families, students, EU officials, entrepreneurs, self employed

Health Insurance for Expats and Immigrants in Europe 

As more and more expats and immigrants flock to the European continent, most of them perceive a European system of healthcare. Fortunately, nothing of the sort exists as each country in Europe is responsible for its own healthcare. Nonetheless, the majority of the European countries in Europe are offering a universal system of healthcare. Each system is either administered through a multi-payer, private and regulated, or a single payer system.

The general standard of healthcare in Europe is outstanding and very good. Almost all European countries can be proud to say that there is a very high rate of life expectancy and low infant mortality rates. Besides, there is generally good access to pharmacies, clinics, hospitals, and physicians. 

International citizens living in Europe have a variety of options at their disposal concerning their global medical coverage. Expats and foreigners exhibit some very unique needs and concerns when it comes to their choice of European medical insurance plans. However, there are two of a kind international health insurance company that you can pick on as an expat in Europe. 

Cigna International

A highly reputable global insurance provider that will take care of you and your family abroad. The key goal of Cigna International is to enhance health, wellness, and a sense of security in you. You do not need to worry about anything with Cigna as all needs are already looked after. The healthcare insurance plans for Cigna International are comprehensive and exhibit a high level of flexibility. As a matter of fact, the plans have been designed in a manner that meet all your needs.

With customised plans, Cigna International health plan offers you with three levels of coverage. You get to have;

  • Cigna Silver
  • Cigna Gold
  • Cigna Platinum

Each and every plan here will provide you with an inpatient and day patient care. But you have a free choice for outpatient care. Besides, you get to decide on whether to add your other elective modules and desired area of coverage.

GeoBlue Xplorer Plan

As an expatriate, migrating family, or an international citizen, the Xplorer Health Plan is a good one. The plan issued from GeoBlue Health Insurance can get you well covered. The health insurance policies here offer you with a wide coverage both in your country and abroad. With their policies, you get to access a premier network of doctors as well as hospitals. All you should be expecting to experience is excellent client services and a flexible system to cover all your needs.

It remains to be one of your best international health insurance plans today with a combined comprehensive global health benefit. Besides, the theme is all coated with a new generation of medical care services of excellent online and mobile tools. This is specifically  to allow you to identify, access, and pay for quality healthcare services.