I paid healthcare costs abroad. How can I get my money back?

You are insured via the CAK

Where you can request reimbursement for healthcare costs depends on where you incurred the costs.

Costs in an EU member state, EEA country, Switzerland or the United Kingdom

If you incurred healthcare costs in an EU member state, EEA country, Switzerland or the United Kingdom and you did not have your EHIC with you or the healthcare provider did not accept your EHIC, you can request reimbursement for the healthcare costs you incurred from the CAK. Use the declaration form from the CAK for this. Send the original bill you paid along with any referral letters or prescriptions you may have received from the doctor. The CAK will then assess whether reimbursement is possible (in full or in part).

Requesting reimbursement for healthcare costs from the CAK

Healthcare costs in the Netherlands

You can request reimbursement for healthcare costs incurred in the Netherlands from Zilveren Kruis in the Netherlands.

Requesting reimbursement for healthcare costs from Zilveren Kruis (in Dutch)

Healthcare costs in the country where you live

You can request reimbursement for healthcare costs that you or a family member incurred in the country where you live from your local health insurer.

Healthcare costs in other countries

• You may be able to request reimbursement for healthcare costs that you or a family member incurred outside the EU/EEA, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands or the country where you live from your health insurer or travel insurance provider.
• Costs incurred while on a cruise ship are considered private healthcare expenses. You may be able to request reimbursement for them from your travel insurance provider. 

You have another form of insurance

If relevant, ask your health insurer or travel insurance provider if and how you can request reimbursement for any costs incurred.

Also useful

• What is a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) and how can I apply for one?

• What are reciprocal healthcare agreements?