Treatment abroad

Types of treatment

• Treatment as part of a medical research study

  Sometimes, a treatment under investigation is not available at the Máxima Center. However, through international collaboration, we stay informed about new developments. These treatments have not yet been proven effective and may be experimental or a new application of an existing drug.

  Important to know:

  • Health insurers companies usually do not cover these treatments unless they are considered ‘standard of care’ – the best available, scientifically supported medical treatment. 

  • If your insurance company does not cover the treatment, you may choose to pay for it yourself. Be sure to make clear financial agreements with the hospital abroad in advance. 

  • Sometimes, costs are (partially) covered by the hospital conducting the study or the pharmaceutical company researching the drug. Always check whether your insurer will cover the ‘standard of care’ part. 

  • You are usually responsible for travel and accommodation costs. 

  • Your treatment team at the Máxima Center remains available for medical questions and can, with your consent, share your child’s medical records with the hospital abroad. 

• Proven-effective treatment not (yet) available in the Netherlands

  It is rare for a proven-effective treatment to be unavailable in the Netherlands. Because of international collaboration, the Máxima Center is well informed about new developments. However, in some cases, a treatment may not be available due to regulations, costs, or capacity.

  Important steps:

  • Contact your health insurancy company to ask whether the treatment is covered. This is not always guaranteed. The website of the National Contact Point for Cross-Border Healthcare in the Netherlands provides information on reimbursements within the EU: cbhc.hetcak.nl

  • If the treatment is not covered, you can consider paying for it yourself. Be sure to make clear agreements with the hospital abroad about the costs in advance.

  • Your treatment team at the Máxima Center can, with your consent, share your child’s medical records. The Máxima Center also remains available for medical questions.

• Non-proven-effective treatment

  Many treatments are not yet proven to be effective. Sometimes, a treatment seems promising, but there is no reliable information about its safety or effectiveness in children. 

  • These treatments are usually not covered by health insurers.. 

  • You may choose to pay for the treatment yourself. Be sure to make clear financial arrangements with the hospital abroad about expenses beforehand. 

  • Your treatment team at the Máxima Center can, with your consent, send your child’s medical records. If your team has concerns about a treatment or notices unrealistic expectations, they will discuss this with you.