European Parliament approves law that allows seeking health care in any EU country

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European Parliament approves law that allows seeking health care in any EU country

2011-01-20 00:42:12 GMT+7 (ICT)

BRUSSELS (BNO NEWS) -- The European Parliament on Wednesday approved a law that allows patients to seek medical care in another European Union country, the EU Directive on patients' rights in cross-border health care.

Member of the Parliament (MEPs) voted in favor of the new EU law that clarifies the rules for reimbursement, including when advance authorization may be required.

"Patients will no longer be left to their own devices when they seek cross border health care and reimbursement. This directive will at last clear up patients' rights because until now they have been very vague," said MEP Françoise Grossetête.

The new legislation establishes that EU citizens can be reimbursed for health care received in another member state, as long as the treatment and costs would have been covered in their native country.

"The Directive will benefit patients across Europe by clarifying their rights to access safe and good quality treatment across EU borders, and be reimbursed for it," said John Dalli, European Commissioner for Health and Consumer Policy.

Patients will be required to seek prior authorization for treatments requiring overnight hospital stays or specialized health care. Refusals will be justified according to a restricted list of possible reasons, which includes certain risks to the patient or general public.

The new Directive will benefit patients who are on long waiting lists, or those unable to find specialist attention. The European Parliament included provisions for cooperation on rare diseases.

"No one wants to travel further than necessary when they are sick. However, sometimes the need for certain treatment leads patients to go abroad. Another reason could simply be that the nearest hospital lies across a border," added Commissioner Dalli.

The European Health Insurance Card scheme will continue to apply for citizens who require urgent treatment when visiting another EU country.

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