Free video consultation | Tuesday 30 September
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Tuesday 30 September 2025
With Dr. Martin Wiese
Book a free video consultation with one of our surgeons, to discuss your symptoms, explore treatment options, and receive expert advice, all from the comfort of your home.
EU Cross Border Directive
Reimbursement for treatment in our clinics
If you are a citizen of any EU or EEA member state, you may be entitled to have your planned hernia treatment abroad reimbursed under the EU Cross Border Healthcare Directive. This means you can choose to undergo a non-mesh hernia repair at one of our specialised clinics in Germany, while still being covered by your national healthcare system.
Your right to EU healthcare reimbursements
Under EU laws on cross-border healthcare, you have the right to seek planned medical care in another EU or EEA country and request reimbursement for the costs. This law ensures that you can access healthcare that addresses your medical needs, even if you choose to receive treatment outside of your own country.
For treatments like non-mesh hernia surgery at BioHernia, this means you can receive high-quality care abroad while still benefiting from your country’s healthcare system.
In simple terms:
- You have the right to choose where you receive your care within the EU.
- You can apply for reimbursement afterward, ensuring the financial burden is minimised.
Legal Reference:
The right to seek planned healthcare abroad and apply for reimbursement is based on the EU Directive 2011/24/EU on the application of patients’ rights in cross-border healthcare.
Criteria for reimbursement
To receive reimbursement for planned medical care in our clinics in Germany, you must meet the following basic criteria:
Be insured in your national healthcare system
You need to be covered by the public healthcare system in your country of residence. Most citizens and legal residents with access to state-funded healthcare are eligible.
Medically necessary treatment
Reimbursement applies only to treatments that would normally be covered under your national healthcare system. This includes procedures like hernia surgery, when deemed necessary.
Referral or medical recommendation needed
A referral or written confirmation from your GP or specialist is required to show that the treatment is medically justified.
The application process
Follow these steps to receive a reimbursement from the National Health Provider in your country:
Seek prior approval
To ensure smooth reimbursement and avoid unexpected issues, we strongly recommend that patients from all EU countries obtain prior authorisation from their national health service before treatment.
While day-case procedures such as inguinal or umbilical hernia repairs are often exempt from this requirement, more complex operations like mesh removals or any treatment involving an overnight stay usually do require it. Getting approval in advance confirms your eligibility for reimbursement and gives you peace of mind before your treatment begins.
Undergo treatment and collect documentation
You will pay upfront for your surgery at one of our clinics. After the procedure, we provide all the necessary documents, including:
- A detailed invoice with proof of payment
- An operation report summarising the treatment provided
Submit your application
Once you’ve collected your documentation, submit your reimbursement request to your National Health Authorities. Applications can be completed:
- Online: Via a portal on their website
- By Post: In some cases you may have to submit your application via mail.
Receive reimbursement
Your National Health Authorities will assess your application and calculate the reimbursement based on the equivalent cost of the treatment in your country. If additional details are needed, they will contact you directly.
For full details and application forms, please scroll down to find information specific to your country ↓
Find your country’s reimbursement information
To help you with the reimbursement process, we’ve listed links to each country’s official information below. Here, you’ll find guidance and instructions on how to apply for reimbursement for your treatment.
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Frequently asked questions
1. How much of the cost will be reimbursed?
The reimbursement amount will depend on what the equivalent treatment would cost within your own country’s healthcare system. Since individual cases can vary, we advise all patients to apply for prior authorisation through before undergoing treatment. This ensures clarity on reimbursement and avoids any surprises afterward.
2. Is prior approval mandatory?
For standard procedures like inguinal or umbilical hernia surgery, prior approval is usually not required, but rules may vary between countries. However, for operations not commonly performed, such as mesh removal, obtaining prior approval is highly recommended.
3. How long does it take to receive reimbursement?
Processing times vary per country. Typically, our patients see their applications processed within a few weeks, but timelines can depend on the volume of requests. Contact your own National Health Service provider directly, for the most accurate timeframe.
4. What documents are required?
To apply for a reimbursement you’ll need:
- A referral or medical certificate from your GP confirming your diagnosis.
- A detailed cost calculation and proof of payment (provided post-treatment), which you will receive from us.
- An operation report summarising your care (also provided by us).