Demystify the European healthcare system, addressing common misconceptions and guiding US expats on how to access medical services.

Let’s talk European healthcare—your ticket to better living abroad. If you’re wondering how it all works, or maybe you’ve heard wild stories about wait times or red tape, you’re about to get clarity. The facts are a lot more reassuring than most people expect.

A big misconception is that you need to pay steep monthly insurance premiums like back in the States. In many EU countries, nearly everyone gets access to care simply by living and working locally. Public plans in places like Germany and France automatically cover you when you land a job, often integrating registration right into your employment paperwork. Germany’s statutory system takes care of 85 percent of residents, and if you’re employed, contributions come right out of your paycheck—split with your employer. If you want top-tier speed and extra amenities, you have the option for private insurance, which still costs less than US plans and often gets you faster specialist care.

In France, universal coverage kicks in after three months of legal residency under the PUMA system. The government pays about 70 percent of costs, and many residents add a supplemental “mutuelle” for the extra coverage. Your Carte Vitale tracks expenses and speeds up reimbursements, though you usually wait several months for initial approval when you first move. English-speaking doctors and staff are common in major cities, so communication won’t be a headache if you stay around Paris or Lyon. In smaller towns, you might wait longer for appointments and find fewer English speakers, so picking your neighborhood matters.

Thinking country by country, Switzerland’s basic health insurance premium reached €149 per month in 2025, which is pricier than most but still less than you might pay for similar US coverage. Ireland is rolling out universal care quickly—though full access will be phased in over the next few years. The Netherlands leads the way for expat-friendly care, and you can customize your plan to fit your needs, all with top rankings for quality.

Europe’s healthcare does face challenges like staff shortages or longer wait times in some places, especially outside big cities. But ongoing reforms, digital health tools, and new models for care delivery mean access and efficiency are set to improve sharply in the next few years. The main takeaway for US expats is simple: quality care is easier to find, costs are transparent, and enrollment comes down to being present, working, or registering with your local authorities.

Before you move, check if your destination has English-speaking medical practices, see what paperwork you’ll need for registration, and review private policy options for faster coverage. Once you’re settled, you’ll find routine doctor visits, prescriptions, and preventive care much gentler on your wallet—and far simpler than you might imagine. Run Europe provides a "How to Setup International Healthcare" Guide with every package. Once enrolled, you’ll be able to seek care at clinics and hospitals no matter where your adventures—personal or professional—take you. Let's start mapping this out. Schedule a 30-minute consultation.