Ukrainians living abroad will be able to claim reimbursement for medical treatment in EU countries: a bill has been drafted

Once Ukraine is integrated into the European cross-border healthcare system, Ukrainians will be able to receive reimbursement for medical treatment abroad. The draft bill has already been prepared and is up for discussion. Find out how the new system will work

An insurance policy is a guarantee of your safety and peace of mind while traveling outside Ukraine

BUY

Ukrainians who receive medical care in European Union countries will be able to claim reimbursement for a portion of their expenses in the future. This mechanism is provided for in a newdraft law developed by the Ministry of Health of Ukraine.

The document calls for the introduction in Ukraine of a cross-border healthcare system, which is already in place in European Union member states. Under these rules, a patient can receive treatment in another country and then apply for reimbursement of expenses in their home country. At the same time, reimbursement will be provided at least up to the cost of similar treatment in the patient’s home country.

The draft law titled “On Amendments to Certain Legislative Acts of Ukraine Regarding the Implementation of European Law in the Field of Cross-Border Provision of Medical Services and Coordination of Social Security Systems” has already been submitted for review by central executive authorities and published for public discussion.

What will change for Ukrainians?

The document provides for the introduction of a comprehensive system of cross-border medical care. Currently, issues regarding the treatment of Ukrainians abroad or the provision of medical services to foreigners in Ukraine are only partially regulated.

Key changes include:

the introduction of clear rules for reimbursing the costs of treatment abroad;

the creation of a mechanism for cooperation between the healthcare systems of different countries;

the designation of authorities responsible for financial settlements;

ensuring patients’ access to medical information and consultations.

Thus, patients will be able to plan treatment in other countries with an understanding of how the reimbursement mechanism works.

Treatment of Foreigners in Ukraine

The new rules will apply not only to Ukrainians. Citizens of European Economic Area countries, as well as Switzerland, will be able to receive medical care in Ukraine. Afterward, treatment costs will be reimbursed in their home countries through the cross-border healthcare mechanism.

This could create new opportunities for the development of Ukrainian medical facilities. Foreign patients will gain access to treatment in Ukraine, while hospitals will receive additional financial resources.

At the same time, the bill establishes transparent rules for medical institutions. Specifically, hospitals must:

inform patients about possible treatment options;

disclose risks;

provide an estimated cost of medical services;

explain the payment procedure.

Additionally, the bill requires professional liability insurance for medical personnel.

What rights will Ukrainian patients receive?

Ukrainians undergoing treatment abroad will receive a number of additional guarantees. Among them:

access to complete medical records;

information support regarding treatment abroad;

ensuring continuity of treatment upon return to Ukraine;

the possibility of undergoing rehabilitation at home.

This will make it easier for patients to coordinate treatment across different countries.

National Contact Point for Patients

A key component of the system will be the establishment of a national contact point. It will provide citizens with information on:

conditions for receiving medical care abroad;

the reimbursement process;

patient rights;

complaint procedures.

There are also plans to develop an electronic health system for the exchange of medical data between countries. In particular, the introduction of a so-called patient summary is envisaged, which will contain key information about the patient’s health status.

Don't want to miss important updates and useful articles? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter!

The Role of the National Health Service of Ukraine in the New System

The National Health Service of Ukraine will play a key role in implementing the cross-border healthcare mechanism. It will be designated as the competent authority responsible for organizing medical care under international agreements.

In particular, the NHSU will handle financial settlements with other countries in cases of reimbursement for treatment costs.

How will reimbursement work?

The draft law sets out clear conditions under which a patient can receive reimbursement for treatment costs incurred abroad.

Reimbursement will be provided:

up to the amount of actual expenses incurred;

but not exceeding the cost of similar medical services in Ukraine.

For certain types of treatment—such as hospitalization, high-cost surgeries, or complex medical procedures—a prior approval mechanism may apply.

When making a decision, the following will be taken into account:

medical indications;

the urgency of treatment;

the possibility of receiving similar care in Ukraine.

The document also establishes an administrative procedure for submitting a compensation claim, sets deadlines for reviewing documents, and grants patients the right to appeal decisions.

Part of Ukraine’s European Integration

The introduction of cross-border healthcare is part of the adaptation of Ukrainian legislation to European Union standards. Specifically, this involves the implementation of Directive 2011/24/EU on patients’ rights in cross-border healthcare.

The need for such changes was also noted in the European Commission’s 2025 Enlargement Report and during the screening meeting on Negotiation Chapter 28, “Consumer Protection and Public Health.”

If the bill is adopted, Ukrainians will gain access to healthcare mechanisms that have long been in place in EU countries, marking another step toward Ukraine’s integration into the European healthcare space.

Health insurance is an important tool for financial protection. The policy can cover the costs of treatment, medicines, transportation to the hospital and other medical services.

Take out insurance before your trip to be prepared for any situations abroad.

Reminder! Health insurance is mandatory for all residents of Germany, but the system provides an important advantage for families - the ability to insure family members for free through one insured person. We have already told you how family health insurance in Germany (Familienversicherung) works, who can be included in the policy, up to what age children are insured, what income restrictions apply and how to apply for insurance in 2026.

Photo - Freepik.com

Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.

Our recommendation for a safe and comfortable trip: 

Visit Ukraine Insurance - insurance for a safe stay abroad without unnecessary expenses;

Green Card - compulsory car insurance for traveling abroad;

Visit Ukraine Tickets - book tickets for buses, trains, and airplanes to/from Ukraine and between cities around the world;

Private Lawyer service - professional legal support on visa and migration issues;

Visit Ukraine Merch - buy patriotic clothing and accessories with worldwide delivery.

© 2018-2026, Visit Ukraine. Use, copying or reprinting of materials on this site is permitted only with a link (hyperlink for online publications) to Visit Ukraine.

All rights reserved.