Reimbursement of treatment abroad: the S2 form and other options
For planned treatment in another EU country, costs may be covered under certain conditions by the Romanian public health system. Here is how it works and where we can help.
The information below is a general guide. The decision on covering costs rests with the health insurance fund, and the exact conditions are checked case by case.
The S2 form (formerly E112)
The S2 form is the authorisation for planned treatment in another country of the European Union, the European Economic Area or Switzerland. It is requested before you travel, from the health insurance fund you are insured with. If approved, the treatment is covered as for a person insured in that country, usually directly between institutions.
The European regulation provides that authorisation is granted when the treatment is among the services covered in Romania and cannot be provided there within a medically justifiable time limit.
What is covered and what is not
- the authorised medical services, under the conditions of the public system in the country of treatment;
- any co-payments that apply to insured people there may remain the patient’s responsibility;
- travel and accommodation are usually not covered;
- private clinics outside that country’s public system are usually not covered by the S2 form.
The Cross-Border Healthcare Directive route
Another route is Directive 2011/24/EU: you pay for the treatment and then claim reimbursement from your health insurer. The amount reimbursed is usually at most what the same service would have cost in Romania. Some services, for example those involving a hospital stay, need prior authorisation. This route does not apply in Switzerland.
Documents to prepare
The health insurance fund sets the exact list. Usually you need the application, the medical documents supporting the recommendation (medical letters, results, tests), a specialist’s recommendation and information about the proposed centre and treatment abroad.
How we help
We help you obtain the documents you need from the chosen centre, for example confirmation of the proposed treatment and a cost estimate, translate the documents and coordinate the appointment according to the insurer’s answer. The decision remains with the insurer and approval cannot be guaranteed. See also our guide on cancer treatment abroad.
Sources: Your Europe – planned healthcare, Romanian National Health Insurance House (CNAS).