Well, the way I understood, the parent had to negotiate but succeeded, so he got it for "free" (i.e. paid by taxpayers) - without any fund, tax-free or otherwis

Well, the way I understood, the parent had to negotiate but succeeded, so he got it for "free" (i.e. paid by taxpayers) - without any fund, tax-free or otherwise. This is an excellent alternative to the option you described as you don't have to worry whether the funds you gathered are enough for the treatment you need. Generally, in Europe, things like cancer etc. are treated for free, i.e. included in your general social security payments that are relatively low.