It is important for Ukrainians staying in EU countries to have health insurance. This is because insurance not only provides financial protection, helping to avoid high medical costs, but also ensures access to medical care in accordance with European standards. However, there are a number of other important reasons why you need to take out insurance. Find out about them in our article

Order an insurance policy for your safety and peaceful stay abroad

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A health insurance policy is not always required when crossing the border, but its absence can lead to unpleasant consequences, as insurance is one of the documents without which it may be difficult for a Ukrainian to find a job in the EU.

Why do Ukrainians in Europe need to take out health insurance? Let's find out below.

Do Ukrainians have to take out health insurance when traveling abroad?

The list of documents required for crossing the border between Ukraine and the EU has been significantly reduced due to the martial law in Ukraine. Health insurance policies are less and less frequently required at the border.

At the same time, many Ukrainians travel to European countries to work, study, or just to relax. It is believed that it is very safe for tourists in the region, as the healthcare system is highly developed. Also, most European countries grant Ukrainian refugees temporary protection status, which provides free access to medical care. Given these facts, many Ukrainians think that it is not necessary to take out health insurance to cross the border, but this is not the case.

The healthcare system in European countries is based on compulsory insurance. Each patient independently chooses a package of services and the amount of coverage, pays the approved premium, and in the event of an insured event, the insurance company reimburses the costs.

If you don't have a policy, you'll have to pay for the treatment yourself. Given that healthcare in Europe is quite expensive, even a simple cold can be a considerable expense. Moreover, you can't just buy the necessary medicines at a pharmacy - you will definitely need a prescription from a doctor. By the way, we told you where and how to look for medicines abroad, as well as about the analogs of Ukrainian drugs in Europe in our previous article.

Estimated cost of medical services in Europe:

● a visit to a family doctor in Norway - 20 euros

● visit to a specialist doctor in the Czech Republic - from 30 euros

● one day in a hospital in Germany - 125 euros;

● an ambulance call in Switzerland - 800 euros.

Those who plan to study and work in the EU will need an insurance policy to obtain permits, and the medical support provided to refugees may not always meet all the needs of patients.

In each of these situations, having a health insurance policy can significantly simplify a Ukrainian's stay in the EU.

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Benefits of a health insurance policy for Ukrainians in Europe

For Ukrainian refugees

Most Ukrainians who fled abroad because of the war have obtained temporary protection in Europe and, accordingly, have access to free healthcare. However, free medical care in Europe differs from that in Ukraine, and sometimes the level of service is lower than Ukrainians are used to receiving at home. Having a health insurance policy will help in solving the following issues:

1. Queues - For most Ukrainians, queues in European hospitals were a big surprise. Sometimes you have to wait several weeks or even months for an appointment. Holders of a health insurance policy have a wider list of specialists and hospitals where they can get help.

2. The need for urgent consultation and language barriers - if you need an emergency or small consultation and don't have time to wait in lines, remote consultation can be a great alternative. The convenience of communication in your native language and the recognized qualifications of our doctors are an indisputable advantage of policies from Ukrainian insurers.

3. Coverage area - usually, a policy from a Ukrainian insurance agent is valid throughout Europe, while insurance obtained on the basis of temporary protection is valid only in the country that granted asylum.

4. Duration of insurance - the policy that Ukrainians receive on the basis of temporary protection is not lifelong, but is valid only for a certain period, after which they need to buy insurance themselves. Health insurance for refugees from Ukraine abroad is most often provided for 5 months from the moment they arrive in the country. However, you can purchase a health insurance policy for any period of time.

5. A limited list of diseases and treatments - in most countries, free treatment is available for a certain list of diseases. Also, the period of hospitalization may be strictly regulated. A health insurance policy helps to overcome these restrictions.

For Ukrainians traveling to Europe to study or work

A health insurance policy is included in the list of required documents for most permits in Europe: a national visa of category D (study, work, medical, business, etc.), temporary residence permits, permanent residence permits, and citizenship. To complete the paperwork in the country of residence, you will be offered to purchase an insurance policy from local insurance agents. In Poland, for example, a policy costs from 600 to 5000 zlotys, depending on the term and package of services that can be provided. Insurance from Ukrainian agents, on the other hand, is much cheaper.

For tourists and those going on a short trip

Given that medical services abroad are very expensive, even minor health problems can be costly in the absence of insurance. A health insurance policy will save you money when you visit a hospital, as well as when you buy medicines in European pharmacies. Another undoubted advantage of a health insurance policy is the round-the-clock online support of a Ukrainian-speaking specialist.

What risks are covered by a Ukrainian health insurance policy in Europe?

According to the current rules for visiting the Schengen area, the amount of health insurance coverage for traveling to Europe must be at least 30,000 euros. The coverage will depend on the package you choose. Typically, most policies cover the following risks:

● emergency outpatient or inpatient care

● transportation to a medical facility

● evacuation to Ukraine, if it is appropriate for treatment

● payment for medicines

● payment for the stay of an accompanying person;

● payment for accompanying minor children who were left without guardianship due to the insured event.

In addition to the basic package, the insurance may provide for compensation for other expenses, such as treatment of injuries during sports, emergency dental care, etc.

Thus, a health insurance policy is an important document that you must have when traveling outside of Ukraine. When applying for a health insurance policy, we advise you to pay attention to its benefits and features, and to choose trusted insurance agents.

You can buy reliable insurance with a guaranteed payment in just a few minutes on the Visit Ukraine portal. Apply for the insurance that suits your needs online or contact the Visit Ukraine hotline (WhatsApp/Telegram) for help. Our managers will answer all your questions and help you with the insurance process.

We remind you! In 2025, Ukrainian drivers planning to cross the border will face important changes. Read more about the main innovations for those who plan to travel abroad by car in our previous article.

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