For Ukrainians living in the countries of the European Union, health insurance is extremely important. It not only provides financial protection, helping to avoid significant costs for medical services, but also guarantees access to quality medicine in accordance with European standards. In today’s conditions, when a significant number of Ukrainian citizens find themselves outside their country due to the war, health insurance becomes a key security tool.
Peculiarities of health insurance for Ukrainian refugees
In EU countries, the health care system is based on the principles of mandatory insurance. This means that without a policy, any medical services are paid for independently. And given the high cost of medicine in Europe, even the simplest visit to a doctor can become a serious financial burden. For example, an appointment with a family doctor in Norway costs about 20 euros, a consultation with a specialist in the Czech Republic costs from 30 euros, and an ambulance call in Switzerland can cost 800 euros. Even a short stay in a hospital in Germany costs an average of 125 euros per day. Without insurance coverage, these costs fall on the patient, making health insurance not just useful, but vital.
Ukrainians who have received the status of temporary protection in EU countries have access to basic medical services. However, the health care system in Europe is significantly different from the Ukrainian one, and these differences sometimes come as a surprise to many. In some cases, the level of service is lower than Ukrainians expect. For example, queues, a limited list of services or a language barrier that make it difficult to get help become a big problem. In such circumstances, having a health insurance policy is a solution to many problems.
First of all, long queues in European hospitals are a serious surprise for Ukrainians. Public health facilities are often overcrowded, and you have to wait weeks and sometimes months to see a doctor. This creates significant problems if a specialist consultation or treatment is needed in a short time. In such a situation, the owners of the insurance policy have a significant advantage, since they can turn to private clinics, where access to doctors is faster and the list of specialists is wider. Thanks to this, problems related to long waiting times are solved.
Another serious obstacle for Ukrainians in Europe is the language barrier. In situations where an urgent consultation is needed, language difficulties can make communication with the doctor difficult, which affects the quality of care. Some insurance policies provide the possibility of remote appointments with Ukrainian-speaking specialists. This becomes a great alternative in cases where there is no time or opportunity to wait in lines. In addition, remote consultations are a quick and convenient way to get the necessary recommendations.
The coverage area of the insurance policy is another important aspect. Insurance obtained through a Ukrainian insurance agent is usually valid throughout Europe. This is especially important for those who travel or change their place of residence. Instead, free medicine, which is provided within the framework of temporary protection, is valid only on the territory of the country that granted asylum. This significantly limits the possibilities of receiving assistance outside a specific country.
The validity period of health insurance is also of great importance. The policy that Ukrainians receive as part of temporary protection is usually valid for a limited period, most often up to five months from the moment of arrival in the country. After this period, a person must independently take care of the registration of a new insurance. At the same time, a private insurance policy can be issued for any convenient term, which provides greater flexibility and the ability to adapt it to individual needs.
Another important problem is the limitation of the list of diseases and treatment methods covered by free medicine. In many European countries, access to free treatment is limited to certain categories of diseases. In addition, hospital stays are often regulated, even if the patient’s condition requires longer treatment. A health insurance policy avoids these limitations by providing coverage for more illnesses and longer hospital stays if necessary.
Most Ukrainians who left for Europe because of the war received temporary protection status, which provides access to free medical care. However, the health care system in Europe is significantly different from the Ukrainian one, and these differences sometimes come as a surprise to many. In some cases, the level of service is lower than expected by Ukrainians. For example, queues, a limited list of services or a language barrier that make it difficult to get help become a big problem. In such circumstances, having a health insurance policy is a solution to many problems.
First of all, long queues in European hospitals are a serious surprise for Ukrainians. Public health facilities are often overcrowded, and you have to wait weeks and sometimes months to see a doctor. This creates significant problems if a specialist consultation or treatment is needed in a short time. In such a situation, the owners of the insurance policy have a significant advantage, since they can turn to private clinics, where access to doctors is faster and the list of specialists is wider. Thanks to this, the problems associated with long waiting times are solved.
Another serious obstacle for Ukrainians in Europe is the language barrier. In situations where an urgent consultation is needed, language difficulties can make communication with the doctor difficult, which affects the quality of care. Some insurance policies provide the possibility of remote appointments with Ukrainian-speaking specialists. This becomes a great alternative in cases where there is no time or opportunity to wait in lines. In addition, remote consultations are a quick and convenient way to get the necessary recommendations.
The coverage area of the insurance policy is another important aspect. Insurance obtained through a Ukrainian insurance agent is usually valid throughout Europe. This is especially important for those who travel or change their place of residence. Instead, free medicine, which is provided within the framework of temporary protection, is valid only on the territory of the country that granted asylum. This significantly limits the possibilities of receiving assistance outside a specific country.
The validity period of health insurance is also of great importance. The policy that Ukrainians receive as part of temporary protection is usually valid for a limited period, most often up to five months from the moment of arrival in the country. After this period, a person must independently take care of the registration of a new insurance. At the same time, a private insurance policy can be issued for any convenient term, which provides greater flexibility and the ability to adapt it to individual needs.
Another important problem is the limitation of the list of diseases and treatment methods covered by free medicine. In many European countries, access to free treatment is limited to certain categories of diseases. In addition, hospital stays are often regulated, even if the patient’s condition requires longer treatment. A health insurance policy avoids these limitations by providing coverage for more illnesses and longer hospital stays if necessary.
The need for insurance to study or work in the EU
Ukrainians who go to Europe to study or work are also faced with the need to obtain medical insurance. In most European countries, an insurance policy is a mandatory condition for obtaining permits, such as a national “D” visa, a temporary residence permit or citizenship.
For example, in Poland, insurance that meets all the requirements costs from PLN 600 to PLN 5,000, depending on the validity period and service package. However, insurance policies purchased from Ukrainian companies are usually significantly cheaper, while offering a similar level of coverage. Therefore, for those who plan a long-term stay in the EU, obtaining insurance in Ukraine is a reasonable and economically beneficial decision.
Insurance for tourists and short-term trips
For tourists or those planning a short visit to Europe, an insurance policy is also essential. Small health problems like a cold or allergies can turn into big expenses if you don’t have insurance. In addition, in many European pharmacies, medicines are dispensed only by prescription, and obtaining a prescription requires a doctor’s consultation, which is paid. Having insurance covers these costs and allows you to get medical help at any time. Also, most insurance companies offer round-the-clock support of a Ukrainian-speaking specialist, which is important for those who face a language barrier.
What the insurance policy covers
A standard insurance policy for visiting Schengen countries has a minimum coverage amount of 30,000 euros. The health insurance policy includes coverage of various risks, which depend on the selected package of insurance services. Among the most common risks included in standard coverage are urgent outpatient or inpatient care. This includes cases where emergency treatment or a hospital stay is required due to an acute illness or injury. In such situations, the insurance covers the costs of medical procedures, doctor’s consultations and necessary diagnostic examinations.
Transportation to a medical facility is a very important part of insurance coverage. This covers the cost of an ambulance or other means of transport to a hospital if it is necessary to preserve life or health. If more complex treatment is required or in cases where it is appropriate, the policy may also cover evacuation to Ukraine. This allows you to receive medical care at home if the conditions in the country of residence do not meet the needs of the patient.
Another important aspect of insurance coverage is the payment of medications. In many European countries, medicines are available only with a doctor’s prescription, and their cost can be quite high. The insurance policy compensates for these costs, ensuring that the patient has access to the necessary drugs.
Special attention is paid to support in the event of an insured event. If the patient needs the help of an accompanying person during treatment, the insurance covers the costs of her stay. Also, in cases where minor children are left without care due to medical conditions of parents or other guardians, the insurance provides payment for the services of accompanying personnel for children.
In addition to basic coverage, many insurance policies offer additional options. For example, they may include compensation for the cost of treatment for sports injuries. This is especially important for those who plan active recreation or participation in sports activities. Also, insurance can cover emergency dental care, which is relevant in cases of acute pain or dental injuries.
The cost of medical services in Europe
Treatment in European clinics is one of the most expensive in the world. An appointment with a family doctor in Norway costs about 20 euros, a consultation with a specialist doctor in the Czech Republic starts from 30 euros, a day’s stay in a hospital in Germany costs 125 euros, and an ambulance call in Switzerland can cost up to 800 euros. These costs can be even higher depending on the nature of the medical care and procedures required. Even the simple purchase of medicines at a pharmacy requires a prescription from a doctor, which is also a paid service. Lack of insurance in such cases can significantly complicate life and become a significant financial burden.
Therefore, health insurance is an investment in your safety and peace of mind abroad. It not only provides access to quality medicine, but also protects against significant financial costs. Regardless of the purpose of your stay in EU countries – work, study or tourism – an insurance policy is a mandatory element of travel preparation. Take care of your health and safety in advance by choosing the insurance that best suits your needs.
