Copayment
A copayment is a fixed fee you pay at the point of care — your insurer covers the rest.
A copayment is a fixed fee you pay at the point of care — your insurer covers the rest.
Also known as
Co-pay, Patient contribution, Ticket modérateur (France), Zuzahlung (Germany), Copago (Spain)
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.
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.
Country-specific notes
🇫🇷 France
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.
Many French GPs accept EHIC-linked payments directly. Ask 'Vous prenez la carte européenne?' before your appointment.
🇩🇪 Germany
No copay at public GPs since 2013
Germany abolished the quarterly EUR 10 practice fee in 2013. Public-insured visitors with EHIC typically pay nothing at point of care for standard GP visits. Private clinics charge consultation fees upfront, usually EUR 50-120.
🇰🇷 South Korea
30-50% copay even with national insurance
South Korea's national health insurance requires 30-50% copayments depending on facility level. Visitors without Korean insurance pay the full fee. International clinics in Seoul quote inclusive prices.
Severance Hospital and Samsung Medical Center have English-speaking billing departments that can itemise costs before treatment.
Frequently asked questions
Is a copayment the same as a deductible?
No. A copayment is a fixed amount you pay per visit or service. A deductible is a total amount you must pay before your insurance starts covering anything. You might pay copayments even after meeting your deductible.
Do I have to pay a copayment if I have travel insurance?
It depends on your policy. Some travel insurance pays the full bill directly (no copay for you). Others reimburse you after you pay the local copayment upfront. Check whether your policy offers direct billing or pay-and-claim.
Your Nomedic record includes your insurance details and EHIC status, so clinic reception staff can check your coverage before the appointment starts.