Dialogos

HIO Issues Guidelines for Re-Referrals to Foreign Hospitals

Published January 21, 2026, 18:02
HIO Issues Guidelines for Re-Referrals to Foreign Hospitals

The Health Insurance Organization (HIO) has issued guidelines for cases of re-referral of beneficiaries to hospitals abroad. According to the guidelines, beneficiaries of the GESY who have scheduled appointments for follow-up or additional services abroad should immediately inform their attending Specialist Doctor within the GESY. The attending doctor is obliged to submit a re-referral request to the HIO immediately, so that the case can be examined within a reasonable time. Beneficiaries must provide the doctor with all relevant medical reports and documents from their previous hospitalization abroad. The HIO emphasizes that compliance with the guidelines is essential for the smooth management of transfer cases abroad, especially emergencies, and to ensure the timely re-referral of beneficiaries.