How can I get medical cover when working abroad?

There are two main types of medical cover when working abroad: compulsory state healthcare (usually provided through social security contributions) and private healthcare (health insurance). In addition, in countries such as the Netherlands and Switzerland, there is state-sponsored private health insurance. Depending upon where you are working, your personal situation and medical requirements you may need some or all of these types of cover.

State Healthcare is usually provided by either being registered in the local social security system of the country where you are working or by being detached (via an E101) from the country where you have been living/working and your employer is registered. You will need to check with each country’s healthcare provider as to the levels of cover they provide. If your family travels with you, you may also require an E106.

Private Healthcare: If you are working outside of the EEA, or want a higher level of healthcare than provided under the relevant healthcare provider, you or your employer can take out private healthcare insurance with one of the many insurance companies. Please note that this usually does not remove the requirement to have state healthcare. Furthermore, in countries such as the Netherlands, where private healthcare is obligatory, the policy has to be with a company approved by the government (which invariably means a Netherlands-based health insurance company).

Whichever country you will be working in it is worth finding out the local regulations either through at the social security information in our international tax guides or by contacting us directly.