The European Parliament has approved plans to give Europeans the right to seek healthcare abroad more easily and be reimbursed for the costs. MEPs also want patients to be properly informed about their rights when they are treated outside their home Member State.

Parliament has added special rules for patients with rare diseases and disabilities that might need special treatment. MEPs have specified that patients affected by rare diseases should have the right to reimbursement even if the treatment in question is not provided for by the legislation of their Member State and this shall not be subject to prior authorisation.