How Much Does Healthcare Cost in Europe?

Healthcare costs in Europe can vary widely from one country to another. The amount you pay depends on where you travel, the treatment you need, and whether you use public or private healthcare services.

For example, a visit to a doctor may cost less than €30 in some countries, but more than €100 in others. The cost of ambulance services, emergency treatment, hospital stays, and prescription medicines can also vary.

Many travellers believe healthcare in Europe is free. However, this is not always the case.

Citizens of European Union countries can use a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to access medically necessary state healthcare when travelling in participating countries. Eligible UK travellers can use a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) for the same purpose. Even with these cards, you may still have to pay the same healthcare charges as local residents.

Private healthcare is usually not covered by EHIC or GHIC schemes and can be much more expensive.

It is important to understand healthcare costs before you travel. Even a minor illness or injury could result in unexpected medical bills. In some countries, tourists may need to pay for treatment upfront, especially when using private clinics or hospitals.

This guide compares healthcare costs across Europe for tourists in 2026, including:

• Doctor consultation costs
• Emergency department charges
• Ambulance fees
• Hospital stay costs
• Prescription medicine prices
• Public and private healthcare costs

This guide is for general information only. It is designed to help travellers understand possible healthcare costs in Europe. Prices and healthcare details are based on official government sources, national health insurance organisations, European Union institutions, and publicly available healthcare pricing information where possible.

Actual costs may vary depending on the country, healthcare provider, type of treatment, public or private care, insurance status, patient eligibility, and any extra services needed.

Healthcare systems and prices can also change over time, so the costs shown should be treated as a guide only and not as guaranteed prices.

Methodology: How We Compared Healthcare Costs in Europe

Healthcare prices are not published in the same way across every European country. Some countries use national tariffs for doctor consultations, emergency department fees, prescriptions, or patient contributions. Others use regional healthcare rules, insurance-based billing systems, treatment-based hospital charges, or private provider pricing.

For this guide, we compared healthcare costs using the most reliable publicly available information available for each country. Where possible, we prioritised official government sources, national health insurance organisations, public healthcare authorities, statutory fee schedules, and official patient charge information.

The comparison considers several healthcare cost categories that are most relevant to tourists:

Cost Category	What We Compared
Doctor consultations	GP visits, private doctor visits, or official consultation tariffs where available
Emergency care	Emergency department fees, non-admitted patient charges, or treatment-based billing systems
Hospital stays	Daily patient contributions, hospital billing structures, or expected cost level
Ambulance transport	Official tariffs, regional ambulance rules, or emergency transport billing systems
Prescription medicines	Patient co-payments, reimbursement systems, prescription charges, or pharmacy cost structures
Public vs private care	Whether tourists are likely to pay less through public healthcare or more through private services

Where a country publishes a clear national patient charge, such as a fixed doctor consultation fee or emergency department fee, we included that figure directly. Where no single national price exists, we explain the pricing structure rather than present a false fixed cost.

This is important because many European healthcare systems do not work like a private price list. The final bill may depend on the patient’s eligibility, insurance status, whether the care is public or private, the region, the hospital, the diagnosis, the treatment provided, and whether extra services such as scans, blood tests, specialist reviews, or ambulance transport are needed.

For countries where exact national tourist prices are unavailable, we classify the likely cost level as low, moderate, high, or very high based on healthcare spending, public healthcare structure, private healthcare pricing, and available official or publicly reported cost information.

This guide is designed to help tourists understand the relative cost differences between European countries. It should not be treated as a guaranteed price list. Healthcare costs can change, and individual bills may vary depending on the provider and treatment required.

Travellers should always check their travel insurance policy, carry an EHIC or GHIC if eligible, and confirm costs directly with the healthcare provider whenever possible.

How Much Does Healthcare Cost in Europe?

Healthcare costs vary across Europe. The price depends on where you are, what kind of care you need, and whether you use public or private healthcare.

There is no one set price for healthcare across Europe. In many countries, public healthcare may be free or low-cost if you have a valid EHIC or GHIC. However, you may still need to pay the same charges as local people.

Private healthcare usually costs more. You may also need to pay upfront, especially for non-urgent treatment or care outside the public healthcare system.

The cost of seeing a doctor, visiting an emergency department, using an ambulance, staying in a hospital, or getting medicine can change from country to country.

For example, a standard GP visit in France costs €30. A non-admitted emergency department visit in France can include a fixed patient charge of €23. In Germany, private and self-pay treatment is billed according to the official medical fee schedule for doctors. Switzerland is one of the most expensive countries in Europe for healthcare.

For tourists, the final cost depends on five main things:

• The country where you get treatment
• Whether you use public or private healthcare
• Whether you have an EHIC, GHIC, or travel insurance
• Whether the care is urgent, medically necessary, or planned
• Whether you need hospital care, tests, scans, prescriptions, or an ambulance

Tourists should not assume healthcare in Europe is always free. It is best to carry a valid EHIC or GHIC if you can use one, choose public healthcare when suitable, and buy travel insurance that covers emergency treatment, private care, hospital stays, and medical repatriation.

Most Expensive Countries for Healthcare in Europe

Healthcare costs are not the same across Europe. Some countries are much more expensive because they have higher living and medical costs, more advanced hospitals, and stronger healthcare systems.

For tourists paying for treatment themselves, these countries can lead to higher medical bills. This may include doctor visits, emergency care, hospital stays, specialist appointments, and prescription medicines.

1. Switzerland

Switzerland is often seen as the most expensive country in Europe for healthcare.

According to OECD data, Switzerland spent about €5,630 per person on healthcare in 2022. This was the highest level recorded in Europe. More recent OECD estimates show healthcare spending is close to USD 10,000 per person when adjusted for purchasing power. This is much higher than the OECD average.

The Swiss healthcare system offers high-quality care, but it can be very costly for uninsured visitors. Tourists may pay high prices for doctor visits, tests, specialist care, and hospital treatment.

Why Healthcare Costs More in Switzerland

• High healthcare spending per person
• Mandatory health insurance system
• High wages for healthcare workers
• Advanced medical technology
• High cost of living

2. Norway

Norway is also one of Europe’s most expensive countries for healthcare.

OECD data places Norway among the top healthcare spenders in Europe. It is behind Switzerland but ahead of many EU countries.

Residents get strong support from the public healthcare system, but uninsured visitors may still face high costs for doctor visits, emergency treatment, and hospital care.

Why Healthcare Costs More in Norway

• High labour costs
• Strong public healthcare funding
• High cost of living
• Expensive specialist care

3. Germany

Germany has one of the highest levels of healthcare spending in Europe.

According to OECD Health at a Glance Europe data, Germany spent about €5,317 per person on healthcare in 2022. This was around 50% above the EU average. Germany also had one of the highest levels of total healthcare spending in the European Union.

For tourists, private treatment, emergency care, specialist care, and hospital services can cost much more than in many Southern European countries.

Why Healthcare Costs More in Germany

• Large healthcare system
• Many hospitals
• High use of healthcare services
• Advanced tests and specialist care

4. Netherlands

The Netherlands spends more on healthcare than many other European countries.

OECD data show that Dutch healthcare spending per person remains among the highest in Europe. The country’s insurance-based system provides people with good access to care, but it can also make healthcare costs higher than in many other Mediterranean countries.

Why Healthcare Costs More in the Netherlands

• Insurance-based healthcare system
• High medical staff costs
• Advanced specialist services
• High-quality healthcare facilities

5. Austria

Austria also spends more on healthcare than the European average.

According to OECD comparisons, healthcare spending per person in Austria is at least 25% above the EU average. The country has a strong public healthcare system, many hospitals, and good access to specialists.

Why Healthcare Costs More in Austria

• High healthcare spending
• Large hospital system
• Good access to specialists
• High number of healthcare staff

Most Affordable Countries for Healthcare in Europe

Healthcare costs are different across Europe. Some countries offer medical care at a lower cost than many Western and Northern European countries.

For tourists paying for treatment themselves, countries in Southern Europe can often be more affordable. Doctor visits, emergency care, hospital treatment, and prescription medicines may cost less than in countries such as Switzerland, Germany, Austria, or the Netherlands.

Healthcare costs depend on factors such as local wages, healthcare funding, operational costs, and each country's healthcare spending.

1. Portugal

Portugal is often seen as one of the most affordable healthcare destinations in Western Europe.

According to OECD data, Portugal spends less per person on healthcare than the EU average. The country has a strong public healthcare system, and private healthcare is often cheaper than in many Northern European countries.

Why Healthcare Costs Less in Portugal

• Lower healthcare spending than in many Western European countries
• Lower labour and running costs
• Competitive private healthcare market
• Strong public healthcare system

For tourists, Portugal is often one of the more cost-effective places for routine medical care and non-emergency treatment.

2. Spain

Spain has one of Europe’s most efficient healthcare systems, while spending less than many higher-cost Western European countries.

The Spanish National Health System provides healthcare coverage for residents. Private healthcare costs are also usually lower than in Switzerland, Germany, or the Netherlands.

Why Healthcare Costs Less in Spain

• Lower healthcare spending than many Northern European countries
• Large public healthcare network
• Competitive private healthcare sector
• Lower overall cost of living

Spain is also popular for medical tourism because treatment often costs less than in many other developed European countries.

3. Greece

Greece spends much less on healthcare per person than Europe’s highest-spending countries.

Although Greece has had healthcare funding challenges in recent years, the cost of doctor visits, tests, and private treatment is often lower than in much of Western Europe.

Why Healthcare Costs Less in Greece

• Lower healthcare spending levels
• Lower labour costs
• Competitive private healthcare prices
• Lower running costs for medical facilities

4. Italy

Italy offers high-quality healthcare while spending less than several Northern European healthcare systems.

Italy’s National Health Service, called the Servizio Sanitario Nazionale, provides wide public healthcare cover. Private treatment often costs less than in Switzerland, Germany, Austria, or the Netherlands.

Why Healthcare Costs Less in Italy

• Strong publicly funded healthcare system
• Moderate healthcare spending
• Lower private healthcare costs than in many Northern European countries
• Wide access to healthcare services

5. Croatia

Croatia is one of the lower healthcare spenders in the European Union, according to OECD data.

For visitors, private doctor visits, dental treatment, and routine healthcare services are often much cheaper than in Western Europe.

Why Healthcare Costs Less in Croatia

• Lower healthcare spending per person
• Lower labour costs
• Lower running costs
• Growing private healthcare sector

Cost of Seeing a Doctor in Europe

The doctor costs Europe varies based on many factors. This is because each country pays for healthcare in a different way.

Some countries publish official doctor consultation prices. Other countries use insurance systems, regional rules, or medical fee schedules.

The table below explains how doctor consultation prices work in popular European countries.

Country	Official GP Consultation Cost	Source Type	Notes
France	€30	National Health Insurance Tariff	Standard GP consultation price published by Assurance Maladie
Belgium	€33.74	Official INAMI/RIZIV Tariff (2026)	Accredited GP consultation price
Germany	No single national fee	Official GOÄ Fee Schedule	Self-pay patients are charged using medical fee rules
Netherlands	No fixed national consultation tariff	Government Health Insurance System	GP care is usually covered by mandatory health insurance
Portugal	No fixed national consultation tariff	National Health Service (SNS)	Costs depend on eligibility and healthcare setting
Italy	Regional healthcare system	National Health Service (SSN)	Costs vary by region and type of care
Spain	Regional healthcare system	National Health System (SNS)	Public healthcare is funded through taxation
Austria	Insurance-based reimbursement system	Statutory Health Insurance	Costs depend on the provider and insurance rules
Greece	Insurance-based reimbursement system	EOPYY	Public and private doctor costs can vary
Denmark	Tax-funded healthcare system	Public Healthcare Model	GP services are usually funded through taxation
Switzerland	Fee schedule based system	TARMED/TARDOC	Costs vary depending on the services provided

France

France has one of the clearest doctor consultation prices in Europe. According to Assurance Maladie, the official fee for seeing a general practitioner is €30.

Belgium

Belgium publishes official doctor consultation prices through the National Institute for Health and Disability Insurance, called INAMI/RIZIV. For 2026, the official fee for an accredited GP consultation is €33.74.

Germany

Germany does not have one fixed national doctor consultation fee. Private and self-paying patients are charged using the Gebührenordnung für Ärzte, also called GOÄ. This is the official fee schedule for doctors.

Netherlands

The Netherlands uses an insurance-based healthcare system. GP consultations are usually paid through mandatory health insurance instead of one fixed national consultation price.

Southern Europe

Spain, Portugal, Italy, and Greece mainly use public healthcare systems. Doctor consultation costs can change depending on regional rules, patient eligibility, and whether the care is public or private.

What This Means for Tourists

Tourists should not expect a doctor’s appointment to cost the same everywhere in Europe.

France and Belgium publish official national consultation prices. Many other countries use insurance-based systems, regional pricing, or doctor fee schedules.

Tourists without health cover may need to pay the full consultation cost upfront. They may then need to claim the money back later from their insurer.

Emergency Room Costs in Europe

Emergency room costs are different across Europe. In some countries, patients pay a fixed fee if they are treated and sent home. In other countries, the cost depends on the treatment they receive.

For tourists, emergency care costs can depend on:

• Whether care is given in a public or private hospital
• Whether the patient is admitted to hospital
• Whether the traveller can use an EHIC or GHIC
• The type of emergency treatment needed
• Extra services, such as scans, blood tests, or specialist care

Emergency Room Cost Comparison

Country	Official Emergency Room Charge	Pricing Structure
France	€23	Fixed emergency patient fee if treated and discharged
Germany	No national ER fee	Costs depend on treatment and billing rules
Spain	No national ER fee	Public healthcare system, managed by regions
Portugal	Varies by service and eligibility	Public healthcare charging system
Italy	Regional charges may apply	Costs vary by region and treatment type
Belgium	No single national ER fee	Hospital bill depends on care received
Netherlands	No standard ER fee	Emergency care linked to insurance cover
Austria	No single national ER fee	Costs depend on provider and insurance status
Greece	Public and private systems differ	Charges vary by provider
Denmark	Tax-funded healthcare system	No nationally published tourist ER tariff
Switzerland	Treatment-based billing	Costs depend on services provided

France

France is one of the few European countries with a clear national emergency department charge.

According to Assurance Maladie, patients who go to an emergency department for unplanned treatment and are sent home without being admitted to hospital must pay a fixed emergency patient fee, called Forfait Patient Urgences, of €23.

This fee applies whatever treatment the patient receives. Some patients may be exempt or pay a reduced fee.

Germany

Germany does not have one fixed national emergency room fee.

Emergency care costs usually depend on the treatment given, the healthcare facility used, and the patient’s insurance status.

Self-paying patients may be charged using official healthcare fee schedules and hospital tariffs.

Southern Europe

Spain, Portugal, Italy, and Greece mainly use public healthcare systems.

Emergency care costs for tourists can depend on whether they are eligible for state healthcare, the local regional rules, and whether treatment is given in a public or private hospital.

What Tourists Should Expect

Emergency treatment in Europe is often less expensive than in countries where healthcare is mostly private. However, tourists should not assume emergency care is free.

Even in public healthcare systems, extra costs may apply. These can include hospital admission, ambulance transport, scans, tests, specialist treatment, and prescription medicines.

Travel insurance is one of the best ways to protect against unexpected emergency medical costs abroad.

Hospital Costs in Europe

Hospital treatment is often one of the biggest medical costs for travellers in Europe.

Many European countries have public healthcare for residents, but hospital costs Europe can be very different for tourists. The price depends on the country, the type of hospital, and whether the care is public or private.

Most European countries do not publish one fixed daily hospital price. Instead, hospital bills are usually based on:

• The treatment given
• How long the patient stays in hospital
• Medical procedures
• Tests and scans
• Specialist care
• Whether the patient can use public healthcare cover

Hospital Cost Comparison

Country	Hospital Billing Structure	Typical Cost Level
France	Daily hospital contribution plus treatment costs	High
Germany	Treatment-based hospital billing	High
Spain	Public healthcare system with regional rules	Moderate
Portugal	Public healthcare system with patient charges in some cases	Moderate
Italy	Regional healthcare administration	Moderate
Greece	Public and private hospital systems	Moderate to Low
Austria	Hospital cost-sharing and insurance-based funding	High
Belgium	Treatment-based billing with patient contributions	High
Netherlands	Insurance-funded hospital care	High
Denmark	Tax-funded healthcare system	High
Switzerland	Insurance and treatment-based billing	Very High

How Hospital Costs Are Calculated

Most European hospitals use one or more of these billing methods:

• Daily hospital charges
• Charges based on procedures
• Diagnosis-related group systems, also called DRG systems
• Treatment-based reimbursement systems
• Insurance-funded payment models

The final cost can rise quickly if the patient needs extra care, such as:

• Surgery
• Intensive care
• Specialist appointments
• Scans or imaging
• Laboratory tests
• Prescription medicines
• Rehabilitation services

France

France has a daily hospital contribution called the forfait journalier hospitalier.

As of 2026, the daily hospital contribution is:

Hospital Type	Daily Patient Charge
Hospital or clinic	€20 per day
Psychiatric facility	€15 per day

This charge is paid for each day spent in hospital. It is separate from treatment costs.

Germany

Germany uses a diagnosis-related hospital payment system.

This means hospital costs are usually linked to the patient’s diagnosis, treatment needs, and length of stay. They are not based on one fixed national daily price.

Switzerland

Switzerland is widely seen as the most expensive healthcare market in Europe.

Hospital costs usually depend on the treatment needed, the patient’s insurance cover, and the healthcare facility used.

Tourists without good insurance may face very high hospital bills, especially if they need surgery, specialist care, or a longer hospital stay.

Public vs Private Hospital Costs

Private hospitals usually cost much more than public hospitals across Europe.

Private hospital care may offer:

• Faster admission
• Private rooms
• Multilingual services
• Direct access to specialists
• Shorter waiting times

However, these benefits often come with much higher treatment costs.

What Tourists Should Know

Hospital stays are one of the main reasons travellers should have comprehensive travel insurance when visiting Europe.

Even in countries with public healthcare systems, patients may still need to pay hospital contributions, treatment charges, specialist fees, and other costs that are not covered.

A short hospital stay can include several different charges, not just the cost of admission.

Before travelling, visitors should check how healthcare cover works in their destination. They should also make sure their insurance includes hospital treatment, emergency care, and medical transport.

Ambulance Costs in Europe

Ambulance costs are different across Europe. Some countries have official ambulance prices. Others work out the cost based on distance, treatment, region, or insurance status.

For tourists, ambulance transport is easy to forget about. Even if emergency treatment is covered, the ambulance journey may still have a separate charge.

The final cost usually depends on:

• How far the ambulance travels
• Whether it is emergency or non-emergency transport
• Whether the ambulance is public or private
• Local regional pricing rules
• Whether the tourist can use state healthcare
• Whether travel insurance covers ambulance transport

Ambulance Cost Comparison

Country	Official Ambulance Pricing Structure	Notes
France	Base tariff from €45.60 to €71.72 plus distance charges	National ambulance tariff schedule
Germany	Regional and provider-based billing	No single national tariff
Spain	Regional healthcare system	Costs vary by autonomous community
Portugal	Public healthcare system	Charges depend on eligibility and service type
Italy	Regional ambulance systems	Public emergency transport is often funded regionally
Belgium	Fixed patient contributions and regional rules	Varies by region
Netherlands	Insurance-based emergency transport system	Costs linked to health insurance cover
Austria	Regional ambulance organisations	Costs vary by province and service
Greece	Public and private ambulance providers	Charges depend on provider
Denmark	Tax-funded emergency transport system	Public emergency services are mostly publicly funded
Switzerland	Treatment and distance-based billing	Patients often pay part of the transport cost

France

France has one of Europe’s clearest ambulance pricing systems. The prices are published through Assurance Maladie.

As of 2025, official ambulance transport tariffs include:

• Departmental base fare: €45.60
• Urban area base fare: €50.92
• Paris region pickup charge: €56.99
• Distance charge: €2.44 per kilometre

Higher prices apply to certified providers. Their base charges range from €57.39 to €71.72 before mileage and extra fees are added.

Extra charges may apply for night transport, public holidays, urgent dispatch, toll roads, and special transport needs.

Germany

Germany does not have one national ambulance price.

Costs depend on the federal state, ambulance provider, distance travelled, and the level of emergency care given. Ambulance services are usually organised by states and local areas, not by one national pricing system.

Switzerland

Switzerland is one of the European countries where ambulance transport can lead to high out-of-pocket costs.

Ambulance services are usually billed separately from hospital treatment. The amount paid back depends on the patient’s insurance cover and policy terms.

What Tourists Should Expect

Tourists should not assume ambulance transport is free in Europe.

Even in countries with public healthcare systems, ambulance transport may still involve patient charges, distance-based costs, or bills that must be claimed back through insurance.

For visitors without strong health cover, ambulance transport can quickly become one of the biggest unexpected medical costs during a trip.

Travel insurance that includes emergency medical transport is strongly recommended.

Prescription Costs in Europe

Prescription medicine costs are different across Europe. Most countries do not use one simple prescription charge.

Instead, many countries use a reimbursement system. This means the patient pays part of the medicine cost, and the national health insurance system pays the rest.

For tourists, prescription costs depend on:

• The country where the medicine is bought
• Whether the medicine is covered by the public healthcare system
• Whether the tourist can use public healthcare cover
• The type of medicine prescribed
• Whether a cheaper generic medicine is available

Prescription Cost Comparison

Country	Official Patient Contribution	Pricing Structure
France	Varies by medicine	Reimbursement rates of 100%, 65%, 30%, or 15%, based on medical benefit
Germany	Co-payment required	Patients pay part of prescription medicine costs
Belgium	Minimum patient contribution of €1 to €2 per reimbursable medicine package, 2026	National co-payment system
Netherlands	Depends on insurance and medicine	Insurance-based reimbursement model
Spain	Based on income and eligibility	National co-payment system
Portugal	Reimbursement-based system	Patient contribution depends on medicine category
Italy	Regional co-payments may apply	Managed by regional healthcare systems
Austria	Prescription fee system	National prescription charge per item
Greece	Co-payment percentages apply	Public reimbursement model
Denmark	Based on yearly medicine spending	National reimbursement framework
Switzerland	Cost-sharing and deductibles apply	Insurance-based system

France

France uses a reimbursement-based prescription system instead of one fixed prescription charge.

According to the French government and Assurance Maladie, reimbursable medicines are usually covered at one of four rates:

• 100% for certain essential and high-cost medicines
• 65% for medicines with major or important medical benefit
• 30% for medicines with moderate medical benefit
• 15% for medicines with low medical benefit

Patients may also have a €1 medical franchise deduction on reimbursed medicines.

Germany

Germany requires patients to pay part of the cost of prescription medicines.

Most prescription medicines are covered by statutory health insurance, but patients usually still pay a share of the cost. The exact amount depends on the medicine and the co-payment rules.

Belgium

Belgium introduced a minimum patient contribution for reimbursable medicines from 1 January 2026.

The National Institute for Health and Disability Insurance, called INAMI/RIZIV, says the minimum patient contribution is:

• €1 per package for preferential beneficiaries
• €2 per package for ordinary beneficiaries

Maximum patient contributions can also apply, depending on the medicine’s reimbursement category.

What Tourists Should Expect

Tourists should not expect prescription charges to be the same across Europe.

In many countries, medicine costs are linked to national reimbursement systems that are mainly designed for residents.

Visitors without public healthcare cover may need to pay the full pharmacy price for prescribed medicines.

Where possible, travellers should bring enough medicine for their trip. They should also carry copies of their prescriptions and have travel insurance that includes prescription medicine cover.

Public vs Private Healthcare Costs in Europe

One of the biggest things that affects healthcare costs in Europe is whether you use public or private healthcare.

Public healthcare is usually funded by taxes, health insurance payments, or both. Residents often pay less because the government or health insurance system helps cover the cost.

Some tourists may also be able to use public healthcare for medically necessary treatment, depending on the country and their eligibility.

Private healthcare is different. It usually means the patient pays directly, or claims the cost back through private health insurance or travel insurance.

Public vs Private Healthcare Comparison

Factor	Public Healthcare	Private Healthcare
Cost	Usually subsidised	Usually paid in full by the patient
Access for Tourists	May be available through reciprocal healthcare rules	Usually requires direct payment
Waiting Times	Can be longer for non-urgent care	Often shorter
Specialist Access	Usually needs a referral	Direct access is often possible
English-Speaking Services	Depends on location	More common in tourist areas
Billing	Uses national tariffs and reimbursement systems	The provider sets the price

Public Healthcare Costs

Public healthcare systems in Europe are mainly designed for residents.

However, some visitors may be able to use public healthcare if they are covered by reciprocal healthcare rules. This usually applies to medically necessary treatment, but local rules still matter.

This does not always mean treatment is free. If local residents must pay a patient charge, co-payment, or consultation fee, visitors usually have to pay the same amount.

Examples include:

• France’s €30 GP consultation tariff
• France’s €23 emergency department patient fee for patients who are treated and sent home
• Prescription co-payments in many European countries
• Patient charges for ambulance transport in some healthcare systems

Private Healthcare Costs

Private healthcare providers usually set their own prices. They are not always linked to national healthcare tariffs or reimbursement systems.

Tourists may use private healthcare when they:

• Want faster access to care
• Cannot use public healthcare
• Need an English-speaking doctor
• Want to see a specialist without a referral

Private healthcare costs may include:

• Consultation fees
• Medical tests
• Scans and imaging
• Emergency treatment
• Hospital admission charges
• Specialist appointments

 

Which Option Is Better for Tourists?

For most travellers, public healthcare is usually cheaper when medically necessary treatment is needed.

However, access rules are different in each country. Some visitors may choose private healthcare because it can offer shorter waiting times, easier booking, or more English-speaking services.

Travellers should check whether they can use public healthcare before they travel. They should also make sure their travel insurance covers both public and private medical treatment where needed.

Travel Insurance and Healthcare Costs in Europe

Many travellers think healthcare in Europe is free. This is not always true.

Visitors may still need to pay for doctor visits, emergency treatment, ambulance transport, prescription medicines, hospital stays, and specialist care.

Even if a traveller can use public healthcare through reciprocal healthcare rules, they may still need to pay the same patient charges as local residents.

Travel insurance helps protect travellers from unexpected medical costs. This is especially important if they need private healthcare or extra services during their trip.

Healthcare Costs That Travel Insurance May Cover

Depending on the policy, travel insurance may cover:

• Doctor consultations
• Emergency medical treatment
• Hospital admission
• Ambulance transport
• Tests and scans
• Prescription medicine
• Specialist appointments
• Emergency dental treatment
• Medical repatriation

Cover is different with each insurer, so travellers should read their policy carefully before they  travel.

Possible Medical Costs Without Travel Insurance

A small health problem can become expensive if several medical services are needed.

Example: Minor Illness

Service	Potential Cost
GP consultation	Varies by country
Prescription medicine	Varies by medicine and reimbursement rules
Follow-up consultation	Extra charge may apply

Example: Injury Requiring Emergency Care

Service	Potential Cost
Ambulance transport	Depends on country and provider
Emergency department treatment	Varies by healthcare system
X-ray or diagnostic imaging	Extra charge may apply
Prescription medicine	Extra charge may apply

Example: Hospital Admission

Service	Potential Cost
Emergency treatment	Varies by country
Hospital stay	May involve daily patient charges or treatment-based billing
Specialist care	Extra costs may apply
Follow-up treatment	May need separate payment

Why Public Healthcare May Not Be Enough

Public healthcare systems are mainly designed for residents. They may not cover every cost for visitors.

Depending on the country, travellers may still need to pay for:

• Patient co-payments
• Prescription charges
• Ambulance transport
• Private medical treatment
• Medical evacuation
• Repatriation to their home country

Medical repatriation is especially important. Public healthcare systems rarely cover the cost of sending a patient back to their home country after a serious illness or injury.

These costs can be very high, so travel insurance is strongly recommended.

Europe Healthcare Cost Comparison by Country

Healthcare costs are different in each European country. Some countries publish fixed prices for doctor visits and emergency care. Other countries use insurance systems, regional rules, or charges based on the treatment given.

The table below gives a simple comparison of healthcare costs in major European destinations.

Country	Doctor Consultation	Emergency Room	Ambulance	Prescription Costs	Healthcare Cost Level
France	€30 GP tariff	€23 emergency patient fee for non-admitted patients	From €45.60 plus €2.44 per km	Reimbursement system, 100%, 65%, 30%, or 15%	High
Germany	GOÄ physician fee schedule	Treatment-based billing	Regional tariffs	Statutory co-payments	High
Spain	Regional healthcare system	Regional healthcare system	Regional ambulance systems	Co-payment system	Moderate
Portugal	Public healthcare charges vary by eligibility	Service-based charges	Public healthcare system	Reimbursement system	Moderate
Italy	Regional healthcare administration	Regional healthcare administration	Regional ambulance services	Regional prescription charges	Moderate
Greece	Public and private pricing systems	Depends on provider	Public and private providers	Co-payment system	Moderate to Low
Austria	Insurance-based reimbursement	Treatment-based billing	Regional ambulance organisations	Prescription fee system	High
Belgium	€33.74 accredited GP consultation	Hospital-based billing	Regional ambulance rules	Minimum patient contribution from €1 to €2	High
Netherlands	Insurance-funded GP care	Insurance-based emergency care	Insurance-linked transport costs	Insurance reimbursement system	High
Denmark	Tax-funded healthcare model	Public healthcare system	Public emergency transport system	Reimbursement model	High
Switzerland	Fee schedule system	Treatment-based billing	Patient contribution often required	Deductible and cost-sharing system	Very High

Key Findings

• Switzerland has the highest overall healthcare spending in Europe. It is usually the most expensive country for uninsured medical treatment.
• Germany, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, and the Netherlands are also among Europe’s higher-cost healthcare systems.
• France is one of the few countries that publishes national prices for both doctor visits and emergency department fees.
• Spain, Portugal, Italy, and Greece usually have lower healthcare spending and more affordable healthcare costs than many Northern European countries.
• Most European countries do not use fixed national prices for every healthcare service. Costs are often decided through insurance systems, regional healthcare authorities, or treatment-based billing.

Conclusion

Healthcare costs in Europe can be very different from one country to another. The price depends on where you are, what treatment you need, and whether you use public or private healthcare.

Some countries have lower costs for doctor visits and prescription medicines. Others can be much more expensive, especially for hospital care, ambulance transport, specialist treatment, or private healthcare.

Learning how healthcare works in your destination can help you avoid surprise costs. It can also help you make better choices if you need medical care during your trip.

Before travelling, check healthcare costs in the countries you plan to visit. You should also understand what healthcare cover you can use and make sure you have suitable travel insurance.

Even a minor illness or injury can lead to multiple costs, such as a doctor's visit, medication, tests, or follow-up care. Being prepared can make your trip less stressful.

If you need medical advice while travelling, Mobi Doctor makes it easy to speak with a licensed doctor online from anywhere in Europe. You can get advice for a minor illness, help understanding your symptoms, or treatment guidance before visiting a local healthcare facility. Our doctors are available from 7am to 11pm.