Copayment
Also known as: Co-pay, Patient contribution, Ticket modérateur (France), Zuzahlung (Germany), Copago (Spain)
A copayment is a fixed fee you pay at the point of care — your insurer covers the rest.
Last updated: 2 April 2026
Real-world example
You visit a GP in Berlin for a chest infection. The consultation costs EUR 60, but as a visitor using your EHIC, you pay nothing at a public practice since Germany abolished its quarterly copay in 2013. At a private clinic, you pay the full fee upfront and claim it back from your insurer later.
Why travellers need to know
Copayments catch visitors off guard because the amount, and whether one exists at all, changes by country and care type. In France, insured patients pay 30% of the consultation cost upfront. In the UK NHS, there is no copay for GP or A&E visits. Knowing what to expect means you carry the right amount of cash and don't panic when a receptionist asks for payment before you see a doctor.
Country-specific notes
30% of consultation fee paid upfront
French patients pay 30% of the consultation cost (the 'ticket modérateur'). EHIC holders pay the same copay as French residents. Pharmacies also charge a small copay per prescription item.
Tip
Many French GPs accept EHIC-linked payments directly. Ask 'Vous prenez la carte européenne?' before your appointment.
Frequently asked questions
Related guides
How Nomedic helps
Your Nomedic record includes your insurance details and EHIC status, so clinic reception staff can check your coverage before the appointment starts.
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