- The EHIC provides healthcare access in Europe to all EU Member States, along with Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.
- In the post-Brexit era, the European Health Insurance Card can still be used in the United Kingdom, but British citizens will soon have their own health document: the GHIC.
Guaranteed healthcare across European countries is one of the most important services offered to residents.
That is why Europeans travelling to other nations in the European Economic Area (EEA) and the European Union (EU), as well as Switzerland and the United Kingdom, need to keep their European Health Insurance Card at hand and up to date.
The European Health Insurance Card cost is completely free and gives access to healthcare in all EEA/ EU countries, plus Switzerland and the UK.
This article includes important information for travellers and European residents, including:
- What the European Health Insurance Card is and how to obtain it
- Who can apply for European health insurance
- What coverage the EU Health Insurance Card grants to its holder
- The EHIC expiration date and how to renew it
- The European Health Insurance Card after Brexit
WHERE CAN I USE THE EUROPEAN HEALTH INSURANCE CARD?
The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is a personal document that grants access to healthcare services across Europe. EHIC holders cannot use someone else’s EHIC card and cannot give theirs away.
When abroad, the EU Health Insurance Card holder can receive medical attention in all EEA and EU countries, as well as Switzerland and the UK.
WHICH COUNTRIES ARE COVERED BY THE EHIC?
The following is a list of countries that accept the European Health Card:
EU countries:
EEA countries:
Other countries:
Although the UK has officially left the EU, the EHIC is still accepted by the NHS (the UK National Health System.) Find information about the European Health Insurance Card and how Brexit will affect UK citizens travelling to Europe.
The European Health Card guarantees the same healthcare conditions and services as those enjoyed in one’s country of residency. Europeans can use it in all of the above nations, regardless of the reason why they are travelling abroad (i.e. study, work, business, tourism).
WHAT IS NOT COVERED BY THE EUROPEAN HEALTH INSURANCE CARD?
The European Health Insurance Card is not a private EU travel insurance and, therefore, cannot be used as one.
The following is a list of costs and circumstances that cannot be covered by the EU Health Insurance Card:
- Private health insurance
- Return ticket in case of cancellation
- Body repatriation costs
- Loss or theft of luggage and other personal belongings
- Healthcare services and treatments that are not free in the traveller’s own country*
- Costs of treatments when the trip was made specifically for medical purposes.
*If the public healthcare system is not free in the country the EHIC holder is travelling to, they will be charged for medical attention and treatment the same way local residents are.
WHO CAN APPLY FOR A EUROPEAN HEALTH INSURANCE CARD?
To obtain the EU Health Insurance Card, applicants must be covered by the national healthcare system of an EU or EEA country (or Switzerland).
To be covered by a country’s healthcare system through EHIC eligibility, individuals must be a citizen or resident of that nation.
Travellers who are not eligible for the EHIC card must obtain private health insurance in Europe for foreigners.
HOW TO OBTAIN THE EUROPEAN HEALTH INSURANCE CARD
EHIC cards are issued by the national health insurance provider. This means that each country has its own system and process to apply for and obtain the EU health card.
It is necessary to apply for the European Health Insurance Card in the applicant’s country of citizenship or permanent residency.
Usually, participating European countries offer 3 alternatives. The EU Health Insurance Card can be applied for:
- Online
- By phone
- In person
Applicants should contact their national health insurance provider to receive instructions on the steps to follow.
Families should keep in mind that each member must apply for and obtain their own European Health Insurance Card, both in their home country and while travelling abroad.
HOW DOES THE EUROPEAN HEALTH INSURANCE CARD WORK?
Should a European citizen or eligible resident find themselves in need of medical attention abroad, they simply need to show the card at any public hospital or medical centre in a participating country.
Once the medical or admin staff confirm that all the information is correct and up to date on the traveller’s European Healthcare Card, they will attend and treat them like any other local patient.
It is essential that travelers remember to bring the card abroad and keep it with them at all times.
WHAT IS THE EUROPEAN HEALTH INSURANCE CARD’S VALIDITY?
Usually, the European Health Insurance Card has a validity of 2 years, although that is not always the case. If in doubt, finding the expiration date on the card (often, on the back side) is extremely easy.
The validity of the EU health card may depend on several factors, such as:
- If the holder is a foreigner residing in the EU, EEA, or Switzerland
- Whether they are currently receiving public benefits
- If they are in economic difficulties
The EU Health Insurance Card’s validity and how long a person is entitled to public health care while abroad in Europe are not related. In general, healthcare coverage while abroad in Europe is guaranteed for 3 months. However, there are exceptions, such as:
- Students completing official courses and programmes abroad
- Workers relocated by their employer for extended periods of time
HOW TO RENEW THE EUROPEAN HEALTH INSURANCE CARD
Once the European Health Insurance Card expires, its holder should take steps to renew it if they want to continue enjoying access to the European public healthcare system.
The process to renew the European Health Insurance Card is the same as that to request it for the first time.
CAN BRITS USE THE EHIC AFTER BREXIT?
The NHS no longer issues European Health Insurance Cards since Brexit. However, Britons can still use their card in Europe until its expiration.
After the EHIC card has expired, UK nationals can apply for a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) that will grant them access to European health services when travelling to Europe from the UK.
The GHIC effectively replaces the EHIC, is completely free, and allows UK nationals to receive treatment in Europe for pre-existing conditions as well as emergencies.
Brits only need to apply for a GHIC once their European Health Insurance Card expires. According to the agreement between the UK and the EU, the NHS will continue to accept European Health Insurance Cards for as long as they remain valid.
Please note that the European Commission and the UK government advise travellers to obtain health insurance in Europe coverage before their trip, even if they have an EHIC.
