The Role of the EU

What role does the EU play in regulating your healthcare coverage?

The European Union helps make it easier for people to access healthcare and social security when they move or travel within the EU. 

Each country has its own healthcare and social security system, but EU rules ensure that these systems work together so people don’t lose their rights when crossing borders.

EU law coordinates national systems by setting common rules that protect citizens. These rules ensure:

• • People are only covered by one country’s system at a time, so there’s no double coverage or gaps;

• • Everyone is treated equally, with the same rights and duties as local citizens;

• • Time spent working, living, or paying into systems in different countries can be added together to qualify for benefits;

• • Certain benefits, such as pensions or planned medical treatment, can be accessed across borders.

A well-known example of how this works in practice is the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).

If someone falls ill or has an accident while visiting another EU country temporarily—for example, on holiday or a business trip—they can use the EHIC to receive necessary public healthcare on the same terms as locals. 

This avoids unexpected medical bills and ensures quick access to treatment.

Another example: someone who has worked in several EU countries can combine those periods to qualify for a pension or unemployment benefits. This way, working across borders doesn’t mean losing out on hard-earned rights.

Importantly, each EU country is still in charge of how it runs and funds its healthcare and social security systems. The EU does not replace national systems—it simply makes sure they cooperate smoothly.

Thanks to EU rules, citizens enjoy strong protections when they live, work, or travel across borders—and national authorities must respect those rights.

It is important to know one’s rights and how to enforce them, as national authorities do not always interpret or apply EU rules correctly. Being informed helps ensure those rights are respected in practice. We help you with that!

Last updated on 23 June 2025