Reimbursement of Emergency Healthcare in the EU for Delft Residents
Residents of Delft with Dutch basic health insurance can count on reimbursement for urgent medical care during a short stay in another EU country, the EEA, or Switzerland. With the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), you receive assistance on the same terms as locals, and your Dutch health insurer covers the costs. This article builds on Healthcare Abroad and is tailored specifically for Delft residents.
What does emergency healthcare in the EU cover?
Urgent medical assistance involves situations that cannot wait until you return home to Delft, such as a heart attack, serious traffic accident, or acute appendicitis. Thanks to EU rules in the European Union, EEA countries (EU plus Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein), and Switzerland, you are treated as if locally insured.
Always carry your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Without it, you may need to pay upfront and claim reimbursement later, which can be challenging. The EHIC covers only essential emergency care, excluding elective procedures or routine dentistry.
Legal Basis
The rules are laid down in the Health Insurance Act (Zvw), Article 52, which allows foreign care under EU regulations. Key is Regulation (EC) No 883/2004 on the coordination of social security systems, with Article 19 covering emergencies during a 'temporarily authorised stay'.
Nationally, this is supplemented by the SZW Decision 2010-2012 (Article 3.1). The Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport assigns Health Insurers Netherlands (ZN) to handle claims. For planned care, use form S2; emergencies are settled with the EHIC.
- EHIC: Ideal for holidays or short trips.
- S1: For long-term stays, such as pensioners.
- S2: For pre-planned treatments.
Overview of Reimbursement Options
| Card/Form | Use | Handling | Deductible |
|---|---|---|---|
| EHIC | Emergency during temporary stay | Directly with local provider (no advance payment) | Yes, via your Dutch insurer |
| S2 | Planned care | Directly or upon return | Yes |
| S1 | Long stay, pensioners | Fully in local system | No (per local rates) |
Rights and Obligations
Rights for Delft Residents:
- Emergency care without prior authorisation.
- Reimbursement up to host country level (capped at Dutch rates).
- Refund within 3 months if paid upfront.
Obligations:
- Show the EHIC to healthcare providers.
- Notify your insurer within 48 hours.
- Keep all receipts and invoices.
- Use only for genuine emergencies.
Non-compliance may limit or deny reimbursement to host country rates. For disputes, contact the Legal Aid Office Delft in Delft or escalate to the District Court of The Hague.
Practical Examples for Delft Residents
Example 1: Accident on Holiday in Spain
A Delft resident crashes near Barcelona. The hospital treats fractures and wounds. EHIC ensures direct billing to the Dutch insurer. Deductible (€385 in 2024) is settled at home.
Example 2: Heart Issue in Italy
Stent placement costs €5,000 locally; reimbursed €4,000 (Dutch rate). Balance paid out-of-pocket unless covered by supplemental insurance.
Example 3: Sick Child in France
High fever in child: emergency medication fully reimbursed minus deductible. Straightforward without hospital admission.
Important: EHIC does not cover repatriation; get travel insurance. More info: Travel Insurance and Medical Costs.
Step-by-Step Guide for Emergencies in the EU
- Present EHIC to the healthcare provider.
- Contact your insurer via the emergency number on the card.
- Request a payment receipt or statement of costs.
- Upload invoices via app or VECOZO portal.
- Check payout within 30 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Reimbursement for appendectomy on Greek holiday?
Yes, EHIC covers it under Greek rules. Call your insurer immediately; deductible applies.
Lost EHIC abroad?
Call your insurer for an emergency document via app/email. Consulate can assist with replacement. Reimbursed retrospectively with proof.
EHIC for dentist after a fall?
Only if life-threatening (e.g., infection). No cosmetics. See Dental Reimbursement Abroad.
Always need to claim?
No, often direct settlement. Always keep documents.
Tips for Delft Residents
- EHIC digitally via app (Zilveren Kruis, VGZ, etc.).
- Get supplemental travel insurance for extra coverage and repatriation.
- Travel advice via Ministry of Foreign Affairs app.
- If unsure: call CAK (0900-9225), your insurer, or Legal Aid Office Delft.
- Consult Municipality of Delft for local travel healthcare tips.