EU rules can allow insured patients to obtain planned healthcare in another EU country and, under specific conditions, have some or all eligible costs covered or reimbursed. The exact route depends on the patient's home-country insurance rules, the treatment and whether prior authorisation is required. Always confirm the applicable route before arranging treatment in Germany.
Two funding routes should not be confused
Planned care abroad can fall under different EU legal mechanisms. One route involves prior authorisation and the S2 form under social-security coordination rules; another route can involve paying the provider and later claiming reimbursement under cross-border healthcare rules. Which option is available and preferable depends on the individual circumstances and home-country system.
What the S2 form does
Where prior authorisation is required and granted, the patient's public health insurer can issue an S2 form (formerly E112). EU guidance explains that this is used for planned treatment in another participating country under the applicable public-system rules. The patient should follow the instructions of the home insurer and the relevant institution in Germany before treatment.
- Ask the home insurer whether the requested treatment is covered
- Check whether prior authorisation is required
- Apply before travelling when required
- If authorised, follow instructions for using the S2 form in Germany
- Confirm whether the chosen German provider can use the S2 route
Prior authorisation may be required
Your Europe states that prior authorisation can be required for care involving overnight hospital stays, very serious or complex procedures, or expensive medical equipment. Patients are responsible for checking the rule that applies to their planned treatment; proceeding without required approval can jeopardize reimbursement.
Reimbursement does not automatically cover every expense
Eligibility and reimbursement levels depend on the route and home-country rules. Travel and accommodation are generally the patient's responsibility unless the home system provides reimbursement in comparable domestic circumstances or another applicable rule covers them. Do not assume that flights, hotels or a companion will be paid for simply because treatment is approved.
Contact the National Contact Point before committing
Each EU country has at least one National Contact Point for cross-border healthcare. It can explain reimbursement, prior authorisation, administrative formalities and which treatments are covered under the patient's home system.
- Ask whether the treatment is an insured benefit at home
- Ask whether prior authorisation is mandatory
- Ask how reimbursement is calculated
- Ask which German providers can be used under the intended route
- Get important answers in writing before paying a deposit
The German hospital still needs to accept the case
EU funding rights do not replace clinical review. A German hospital may need medical records before deciding whether it can offer the requested treatment. Keep the insurance-authorisation process and hospital clinical-acceptance process coordinated, but treat them as separate decisions.
Official sources
Last source-reviewed 2026-08-29. Administrative, insurance, reimbursement and visa rules can change. Follow the current instructions of the responsible hospital, insurer or public authority before acting.
- Organising planned medical treatment in another EU country — Your Europe – European Union ↗
- Information points for cross-border healthcare — Your Europe – European Union ↗
- Planned medical treatment – social security coordination — European Commission ↗
- Cross-border healthcare overview — European Commission ↗