New Commission initiative on patients' rights in cross-border healthcare
On 2 July 2008, as part of the Renewed Social Agenda, the Commission adopted a draft Directive on the application of
patients' rights in to cross-border healthcare, which provides a Community framework for safe, high quality and efficient
cross-border healthcare.
Although the vast majority of patients receive healthcare in their own country, sometimes the care is best provided abroad. This
can be the case for example for highly specialised care or in border areas where the nearest appropriate facility is abroad.
Rules for receiving cross-border healthcare and for reimbursement of costs are now not always completely clear or easy to
understand. That is why the Commission has developed a proposal for a legal instrument which will provide more clarity about
possibilities to seek healthcare in another Member State. The proposal will also make clear who is responsible for quality and
safety of care in cross-border settings. Finally it will strengthen cooperation in different areas, such as networks of centres
of reference for specialised care, for example.
This proposal will thus help patients in getting the healthcare they need, and help Member States ensure the accessibility,
quality and financial sustainability of their health systems and the well-being of their citizens.
