Reimbursement of Emergency Care in the EU for Leiden Residents
As a resident of Leiden with basic health insurance, you can count on reimbursement for emergency care in the EU during a temporary stay in another EU country, the EEA, or Switzerland. With the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), you receive medical treatment under the same conditions as locals, and your Dutch health insurer covers the bill. This article builds on Healthcare abroad. For personal advice in Leiden: call Legal Aid Office Leiden (071-5173900).
What does emergency care in the EU mean for you?
In Leiden and surrounding areas, we know how vital acute care is. Emergency care covers life-saving or urgent treatments that cannot wait until you return home, such as a heart attack, serious traffic accident, or acute appendicitis. Thanks to EU rules in the European Union, EEA (including Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein), and Switzerland, you receive care as if you were locally insured.
Always take your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) – essential for Leiden residents on a city trip or vacation. Without it, you pay upfront and claim reimbursement later, which can be a hassle. The EHIC applies only to medically necessary emergency care, excluding elective procedures or routine dental care.
Legal basis
This scheme is set out in the Health Insurance Act (Zvw), Article 52, which enables foreign care under EU regulations. Central to this is Regulation (EC) No 883/2004 on the coordination of social security systems, with Article 19 for 'urgent stay'. National supplement: Decision SZW 2010-2012 (Article 3.1). The Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport (VWS) has Health Insurers Netherlands (ZN) implement this. For emergencies: EHIC suffices; chronic care requires S2 form.
- EHIC: Temporary stay, such as a weekend away from Leiden.
- S1: Long-term, e.g., expats or retirees.
- S2: Planned treatments.
Overview of reimbursement options
| Card/Form | Use | Reimbursement | Deductible |
|---|---|---|---|
| EHIC | Emergency during short stay | Directly by local provider (no advance payment) | Yes, via your Dutch insurer |
| S2 | Planned | Direct or post-settlement | Yes |
| S1 | Long stay | Fully in local system | No (per host country rules) |
Rights and obligations as a Leiden resident
Rights:
- Emergency care without prior authorization.
- Reimbursement up to host country rates (max. Dutch level).
- Refund within 3 months if paid upfront.
Obligations:
- Show EHIC to healthcare provider.
- Notify insurer within 48 hours.
- Keep all receipts and invoices.
- Use only for genuine emergencies.
Practical cases for Leiden residents
Case 1: Bike accident in Spain
A Leiden cyclist crashes on vacation in Barcelona. Hospital treats fractures. EHIC ensures direct handling; costs go to insurer. Deductible (€385 in 2024) follows at home.
Case 2: Heart issue in Italy
Stent placement costs €5,000 locally. Insurer covers €4,000 (Dutch rate). Rest paid out-of-pocket, unless supplemental coverage.
Case 3: Sick child in France
High fever in child: medication at emergency post. Fully reimbursed minus deductible. Simple process without admission.
Important: EHIC does not cover repatriation; get travel insurance. See Travel insurance for medical costs.
Step-by-step guide for emergencies in the EU
- Present EHIC to healthcare provider.
- Contact insurer (emergency number on card).
- Request cost estimate.
- Upload invoices via app/portal (e.g., VECOZO).
- Check payout within 30 days.
FAQ for Leiden residents
Reimbursement for appendectomy on Greek vacation?
Yes, EHIC handles it under Greek rules. Notify insurer immediately. Deductible applies.
EHIC lost abroad?
Call insurer for emergency EHIC via email/app. Consulate assists with replacement. Reimbursed afterwards with proof.
Dental emergency after fall with EHIC?
Only if life-threatening (infection). No cosmetics. More in Dentist abroad.
Always file a claim?
No, often direct settlement. Document everything.
Tips specifically for Leiden residents
- EHIC digitally via app (Zilveren Kruis, VGZ etc.).
- Get supplemental travel insurance for extra coverage.
- Report travel via Foreign Affairs app.
- For questions: Legal Aid Office Leiden or CAK (0900-9225).
- Check with Municipality of Leiden for local healthcare info before departure.