Patients’ Rights in Cross-Border Healthcare

On 19 January 2011 the European Parliament adopted a EU law clarifying patients’ rights to access safe and good quality treatment across EU borders, and be reimbursed for it. Patients travelling to another EU country for medical care will enjoy equal treatment with the citizens of the country in which they are treated. In a statement the European Commissioner for Health and Consumer Policy John Dalli says that the new legislation will help patients who need specialised treatment, for example those who are seeking diagnosis or treatment for a rare disease. It supports the development of “European Reference Networks” bringing together, on a voluntary basis, specialised centres of expertise already recognised in Europe. Health experts across Europe will be able to share best practices on healthcare and provide standards of excellence.