Medicine in Europe: why many Ukrainians go home for treatment

The European healthcare system remains a source of complexity and stress for many Ukrainians. Learn about the main healthcare challenges faced by refugees in European countries and why Ukrainian healthcare remains more accessible

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Despite all the challenges facing Ukraine's healthcare system during the war, many Ukrainians temporarily residing in Europe continue to return home for medical care.

The reasons are not only emotional, but also practical: language, organizational, financial, and even staffing difficulties faced by Ukrainians abroad.

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Why are Ukrainians going home for treatment?

According to The New York Times, almost 40% of Ukrainians in Europe have returned to Ukraine at least once. After seeing their relatives, the second most important reason is to see a doctor.

Paradoxically, despite criticism of Ukrainian medicine from those who have never left the country, the realities of the European healthcare system often prove to be no less complicated. It is precisely this comparison that allows us to reassess Ukrainian medical services in terms of both speed of access and cost.

What problems do Ukrainians face in Europe?

Language barrier

Seeing a doctor requires not only a basic knowledge of the language, but also an understanding of specialized terminology, instructions, filling out forms, etc.

Lack of knowledge about the healthcare system

Each country has its own model of medical care, appointment scheduling, referrals, and insurance obligations. Many Ukrainians simply do not know where to go or how to proceed.

Bureaucracy

The process of registering with the healthcare system, obtaining insurance, and other documents can take weeks or months.

Underfunding and system overload

Although Ukrainians under temporary protection are provided with free medical care, the budgets of European clinics often cannot cope with the workload. Medical staff do not have time to treat all patients, both local and refugees.

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Typical problems in European healthcare:

Queues to see doctors — both general practitioners and specialists (waiting times can be months).

“Medical deserts” — in many countries, there are regions where there are simply not enough doctors.

High accreditation requirements — even Ukrainian doctors who could help have to go through a lengthy process to confirm their qualifications.

Examples from European countries

Austria

Health insurance for unemployed Ukrainians has become voluntary and paid, making access to treatment more difficult.

Germany

Provides Ukrainians with access to compulsory health insurance, but suffers from a shortage of staff. Waiting times for appointments are long. In most cases, you first have to see a general practitioner and then wait for a referral to a specialist.

France

Provides free emergency care to everyone, regardless of status. However, there is a systemic shortage of doctors in many regions. Queues are common.

Poland

Ukrainians have the same rights to medical care as Poles. However, the system is overburdened, and proposals to abolish free treatment for those who do not pay contributions are being discussed. Expenditures on treatment for Ukrainians in 2022–2024 exceeded €465 million.

Why is Ukrainian medicine still attractive?

Ukrainians who return to their homeland for treatment most often cite the following advantages:

Speed of admission — appointments with doctors can be made in a matter of days, not months.

Cost of services — even in private clinics, prices are significantly lower than in the EU.

Native language and understanding of procedures — no stress associated with bureaucracy and communication.

Trust in familiar doctors — many turn to trusted specialists.

Ukrainian medicine as a factor in returning home?

It is already clear that the availability of medical care in Ukraine is one of the factors influencing Ukrainians' decision to return home. This is especially true for those who do not have serious illnesses and need regular medical services.

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Just a reminder! It is important for Ukrainians planning to travel to EU countries to have health insurance, as it provides financial protection, helps to avoid high medical costs, and ensures access to medical care in accordance with European standards. Read here to find out what kind of policy is needed for Ukrainians planning to travel to the EU, what are the requirements for the document and where to buy reliable insurance.

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