Answer given by Ms Thyssen on behalf of the Commission
2.8.2016
EC law in the field of social security provides for the coordination of the Member States' national social security systems. Thus, they are free to decide who is to be insured under their legislation, which benefits are granted and under what conditions.
Under Regulation 883/2004[1], the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) certifies the entitlement of a person insured under the public health insurance system of a Member State to receive any medical care that becomes necessary during a temporary stay in another Member State. This happens under the same terms and conditions as persons insured under the public healthcare system of the host State, but the costs will be borne by the State of insurance.
In case of a terrorist attack outside a person's home state, the EHIC would give the insured access to medical treatment. Coverage of related costs, such as accommodation and travel costs, depends on the national social security systems of the State of treatment and its catalogue of reimbursable services.
In addition, Directive 2011/24/EU[2] on patients' rights in cross-border healthcare does not restrict the status of the provider which is to provide the healthcare. Therefore, from the perspective of social security, the creation of a special EU fund for reimbursement does not appear necessary.