What happens if an American goes to the hospital in Europe?
Asked by: Dr. Rodolfo Hane III | Last update: December 17, 2025Score: 4.7/5 (65 votes)
Can US citizens get free healthcare in Europe?
Conclusion. While Europe's healthcare systems are robust and generally more accessible than in the U.S., Americans moving to Europe still need health insurance. Whether through public systems or private providers, securing adequate health coverage is essential for peace of mind and financial protection.
What happens if you go to the hospital in a foreign country?
The U.S. government does not pay overseas medical bills. The patient must pay all hospital and other expenses. You can find lists of doctors and hospitals in the country you are visiting. Check the website of the U.S. embassy in the country you are visiting.
Does US health insurance cover you in Europe?
Generally, most domestic health insurance policies are not accepted abroad, so there is a benefit to purchasing travel medical insurance as a supplement to your health insurance coverage. The travel medical coverage is only valid while you're traveling.
What happens if I get ill in Europe?
If you need medical treatment while you're in another EU country, presenting your European Health Insurance card (EHIC) can simplify payment and reimbursement procedures. With your EHIC you can get healthcare - and claim reimbursement for the costs you incur - on the same terms as nationals of the country you are in.
American reacts to 'My Healthcare experience in Europe compared to America'
What happens if you get sick in Europe as an American?
While no system is perfect, Europe's universal health care does mean that everyone is taken care of — including foreigners. So if you get sick or injured while traveling, you will receive treatment, no questions asked.
What happens if I don't pay my hospital bill as a foreigner?
Yes, unpaid medical bills can affect your future immigration status and entry eligibility back in the United States. You may be seen as a public charge if you have outstanding U.S. medical bills when applying for a specific status when coming back to the United States, which can lead to the denial of your application.
What happens if an American goes to the hospital in Portugal?
Please note: Portugal does not offer free medical treatment to visitors, and under European Union rules non-EU citizens are required to have travel medical insurance covering emergency medical, hospitalization, and repatriation (including the case of death).
Can I use my United Healthcare in another country?
No matter where your assignment takes you, you have access to the health care resources you need. Your UnitedHealthcare Global insurance plan works efficiently and simply, wherever you are in the world.
Does Blue Cross Blue Shield cover me internationally?
As a Blue Cross and Blue Shield member, you take your healthcare benefits with you when you are abroad. Through the Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Core program, you have access to doctors and hospitals around the world.
What happens if an American gets sick in Italy?
In Italy, patients are free to choose between public hospitals and private hospitals. Public hospitals normally provide both emergency and non-emergency services. At public hospitals, patients may receive emergency services at no cost or upon payment of a limited contribution, depending on the public hospital's policy.
Are there American hospitals in Europe?
The American Hospital of Paris is the only civilian hospital outside the United States accredited by the U.S. Joint Commission based on its stringent U.S. standards.
What happens if you have a medical emergency on an international flight?
Many airlines typically work with emergency medical service providers such as MedAire's MedLink or Stat MD. These service providers can be contacted during the flight using a satellite phone. Direct communication with an emergency room or trauma center is also possible.
What happens if you have to go to the hospital in another country?
If your illness is serious, consular officers can help you find medical assistance. If you want, they can inform your family and friends. If needed, consuls can also help with the transfer of funds from family or friends in the U.S. Payment of hospital and other medical bills are the traveler's responsibility.
How expensive is health care in Europe?
An average of €710 per person was spent on healthcare in 2019 by the EU population, ranging from €250 per person or less in Czechia and Slovakia to €1 000 per person or more in Ireland, Finland, Luxembourg, Germany and Belgium.
Can Americans get free healthcare in Spain?
Americans do not automatically receive free healthcare in Spain. Access to Spain's public healthcare system typically requires residency and social security contributions. However, emergency services are available to everyone, though additional costs may apply.
Does my health insurance cover me when I travel internationally?
Does my health insurance work internationally? Many health insurance plans do not cover you when you are out of the country. For those that do, the coverage is often limited and requires you to pay at the time of service, save receipts and file for reimbursement once you get home.
Can Americans get free healthcare in other countries?
Health care in countries that have universal healthcare is paid for by taxation. How many more times will people ask questions like this ? There are NO options for an American to receive free healthcare abroad.
How much does international travel medical insurance cost?
International Travel Medical Insurance Premium Plans
The Atlas Travel Premium® travel medical insurance policy from WorldTrips starts as low as $0.70* per day, or $4.90* for one full week of coverage. The maximum possible premium is $30.71** per day, or $214.97** for a full week of coverage.
What happens if an American gets sick in Europe?
If you are an American citizen suffering from sickness or injury abroad, Medical Air Service can organize the medical repatriation of snowbirds back home in an air ambulance or with a medical escort.
Do US citizens need health insurance in Europe?
Yes, US citizens planning long-term stays in Spain or Germany and in any other Schengen country for purposes such as study, work, or residency—are typically required to have private health insurance or enroll in the respective country's public healthcare system.
What happens if you ignore hospital bills?
Once medical bills enter collections, they are often reported to consumer credit reporting companies. Medical debt collections on a credit report can impact your ability to buy or rent a home, raise the price you pay for a car or insurance, and make it more difficult to find a job.
Does Medicare cover you in Europe?
In most situations, Medicare won't pay for health care or supplies you get outside the U.S. The term “outside the U.S.” means anywhere other than the 50 states of the U.S., the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands.
Do U.S. hospitals have to treat you without insurance?
If you have a serious medical problem, hospitals must treat you regardless of whether you have insurance. This includes situations that meet the definition of an emergency. Some situations may not be considered true emergencies, such as: Going to the ER for non-life-threatening care.