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25 Dec. 2024

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Health insurance: the difference between private and free health insurance in Europe

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Health insurance: the difference between private and free health insurance in Europe

Ukrainians are not used to using insurance to maximize the safety of their travels. Currently, most countries offer free insurance. However, it has significant drawbacks. Learn more about the features of free health insurance in Europe and what are the advantages of insurance from Ukrainian agents

An insurance policy is a guarantee of your safety and peaceful stay outside of Ukraine
An insurance policy is a guarantee of your safety and peaceful stay outside of Ukraine
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For Ukrainians who have found refuge in European countries and have been granted temporary protection, access to healthcare is one of the most important issues. The free insurance provided as part of this status covers basic needs, but is often accompanied by difficulties, ranging from long waiting times to language barriers. Is there an alternative that will allow you to receive quality medical care without unnecessary complications? Private insurance can be the solution that guarantees comfort and confidence abroad. Let's find out what are the peculiarities of free and private insurance in this article.


By the way, we have discussed whether Ukrainians need insurance when traveling on a visa-free regime, how to choose the right insurance for traveling abroad, and in what cases, in addition to illness, you can receive compensation under an insurance policy in our previous posts.


What you need to know about the peculiarities of free health insurance in Europe


The system of free healthcare in Europe has its advantages, but it is accompanied by certain restrictions. Here's what Ukrainians need to know:


Queues. A patient who plans to visit a medical facility on the basis of free insurance should be prepared for long queues. Usually, you have to wait from several weeks to six months for a doctor's appointment. In case of an acute illness and for most Ukrainians abroad - mothers with children - waiting for their turn in a public hospital is simply impossible.

● Language barrier. If a Ukrainian does not speak the language of the country of residence, it can be difficult to get a consultation from a foreign doctor.

Remote consultations. In Europe, as well as in Ukraine, state medicine provides for face-to-face consultations. If you need an emergency or a small consultation, and you don't have time to wait in lines, you will have to pay for a remote appointment with a doctor.

A limited list of diseases and treatments. In some countries, free treatment is available for a limited list of diseases. You may also have to pay extra for long-term hospital stays or other special cases.

Policy coverage area. In addition to living in one of the EU countries, Ukrainians travel to other countries or come to Ukraine temporarily, so it is important that the insurance policy is able to provide health protection in any country. And European free insurance medicine does not provide for this.




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What are the advantages of private insurance from Ukrainian agents?


Private policies from Ukrainian insurance companies offer a number of advantages that can greatly simplify your life abroad. At the same time, having insurance, you can be sure that you will receive medical services with the same ease as you are used to receiving them at home. Among the most important advantages of private insurance from Ukrainian agents are:


Accessibility of medical care. First of all, the owners of a health insurance policy have the right to visit a doctor at any medical institution in the country of residence, thereby reducing the waiting time for an appointment. In addition, insured Ukrainians have the opportunity to receive a remote consultation from a Ukrainian doctor. This will help avoid queues and language barriers.

● 24/7 support. The insurance coverage includes round-the-clock online support, which will greatly simplify your stay abroad in case of illness or injury - Ukrainian-speaking consultants will be in touch with you.

Extended coverage. When you take out a policy, in addition to the basic list of services - emergency assistance, transportation to a medical facility, outpatient and inpatient care, you can add certain chronic diseases to the insurance or expand the policy with additional options that will make the insurance a truly useful document: emergency dentistry, injuries during sports and outdoor activities, coverage for the purchase of medicines, etc.

● No restrictions on the territory of coverage. Private insurance for traveling abroad is not limited to one country. On the Visit Ukraine website, you can choose a policy that will be valid throughout Europe or around the world.


So, if you have already faced the difficulties of public insurance in Europe, or do not want to take risks, especially if you have children, choose a private insurance policy that will provide you with access to quality medical care without queues, language barriers or territorial restrictions. On the Visit Ukraine website, you can buy insurance from reliable insurance agents that will guarantee your safety and comfort in any country in the world.


It takes only a few minutes to apply for an insurance policy on our website, and you can do it even if you are already abroad.


Apply for your insurance policy now to feel protected wherever you are!


HEALTH INSURANCE (EUROPE) – APPLY


HEALTH INSURANCE (WORLDWIDE) – APPLY


Need help choosing the right insurance or applying for a policy? Contact the Visit Ukraine customer service (WhatsApp/Telegram). Our managers will answer all your questions and help you choose and apply for insurance.


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.




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Frequantly

asked questions

Do I need insurance to travel abroad?

Yes, it is important to have insurance when traveling abroad. It protects you in case of illness or accident while traveling. In addition, many European countries require insurance coverage for medical expenses. It is especially important to have insurance if you: travel with children, engage in outdoor activities, plan to travel to countries with visa requirements, or visit places with a high level of risk.

How to buy insurance on the Visit Ukraine website?

Do I need to print out the electronic policy?

What should I do in case of an insured event?

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