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Summary: Information on the European Health Insurance Card scheme and which countries it applies in.
Health Info in Europe
Being taken ill on holiday is something that most travelers dread.
As an EU national, if you are suddenly taken ill or have an accident during a temporary visit to any EU country, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland, you can get free or reduced-cost healthcare. Only publicly funded health treatment is included in this scheme and each country has its own rules for public medical provision. In some, treatment is free, in some you pay part of the cost, in others you have to pay the full cost and then claim a refund. So keep all your bills, prescriptions and receipts.
European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
A European health insurance card has now been introduced to facilitate access to publicly funded healthcare in the EU and to speed up the reimbursement of costs. Over 150 million EU citizens are already carrying the card. Some countries are incorporating the European card on the reverse side of a national card and others are issuing separate cards. For UK citizens, you can apply on line, by telephone or by post. The card is free, and is valid for 5 years. Find out more at: https://www.ehic.org.uk/Internet/home.do
The EHIC replaces the previously used forms, in particular the well known E 111, which has not been valid since 31 December 2005.
The EHIC is identical in all the Member States and enables health care providers in every Member State to identify the card immediately. This makes it easier for the holder to benefit from a simplified procedure for receiving any medical assistance that might become necessary during a temporary stay.
You should not travel to another Member State of the European Economic Area or Switzerland without your EHIC or a provisional replacement certificate. If you have to pay any costs up front, these documents guarantee reimbursement of health care costs locally or very soon after your return home.
If the need arises, you will of course receive the treatment necessary to enable you to continue your holiday without having to return home for treatment.
However, do not forget that these documents not only facilitate access to medical care on the spot, since they guarantee that you will receive treatment in accordance with the rules of the Member State which you are visiting, but also ensure you get the costs reimbursed immediately, or at least very soon after your return home, if you have been required to pay certain medical costs up front.
You are therefore strongly advised to carry your European health insurance card or equivalent document whenever you travel to any of the Member States of the European Economic Area (European Union, Iceland, Lichtenstein and Norway) or to Switzerland, whether for private or professional reasons.
The Card holder’s surname and first name, personal identification number and date of birth are shown on the card; it does not contain any medical data.
The EHIC DOES NOT forego the requirement of Travel Insurance. The EHIC and holiday insurance are complementary and you are advised to have both. The EHIC does not cover some costs such as repatriation.
Some insurance companies require you to have an EHIC and some companies will waive the excess charge if an EHIC has been used.
The following countries are involved:
- Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom,
- Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway,
- and Switzerland.
© European Communities, 1995-2008
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