The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) allows you to get the medical care you need. Find out more about what treatments are covered by the health insurance card, who can use the EHIC and in which countries, and other important details

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DETAILS

The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is an important and convenient initiative designed to provide health care to citizens of the European Union, as well as some other associated countries. Here's how to get the card and what features it offers.

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What is EHIC?

If you are an EU citizen or resident, the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) allows you to receive public health care in any of the other EU countries, as well as in Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.

With this card, you will be able to receive medical care within the public health care system under the same conditions as citizens insured in the country you are traveling to. In the event of a sudden illness, the EHIC entitles you to assistance or hospitalization abroad.

At the same time, the UK has its own version of EHIC - it's called the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). After Britain left the EU, its government developed its own version of insurance. This card works in the same way as its predecessor, allowing Britons to access public health care while visiting the EU.

Please note that neither the EHIC nor the GHIC replace travel insurance and cannot be used for routine treatment in the EU.

By the way, to travel safely to other countries, every tourist needs to take care of their health. For this purpose you can take out both travel insurance and medical insurance.

What are the possibilities with EHIC?

If you have an EHIC, when traveling to other EU countries, you will be entitled to the same medical benefits as citizens of that country. This means that:

- If citizens or legal residents of that country receive free health care, you will also be treated for free.

- If citizens or legal residents of this country pay for certain treatment, you must also pay in the same way. However, the fees are usually very low.

What treatments does the European Health Insurance Card cover?

- Visits to the doctor.

- Prescription medication.

- Dental care (in full or in part).

- Emergency care (full coverage in most cases).

- Hospitalization (full or partial coverage).

EHIC does not cover:

- Planned medical treatment.

- Planned childbirth.

- Treatment in private medical facilities.

- Aesthetic surgery.

- Repatriation or evacuation expenses.

- Any expenses related to trip interruption or cancellation.

- Any costs associated with loss or damage to belongings during your travels.

Who can use EHIC and in which countries?

If you have EU citizenship, you can use EHIC in all EU countries as well as Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway.

However, if you have a residence permit in an EU country (but are not an EU citizen), you will not be able to use an EHIC in Denmark, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.  

Also, UK citizens can only use their health insurance card (EHIC or GHIC) in EU countries, but not in Denmark, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland.

An EHIC can be used by a person who:

- is a citizen of an EU country, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland and is registered in a public health insurance scheme;

- is a legal resident of an EU country and is registered with the public health insurance system. In this case, you cannot use EHIC if you are traveling to Denmark, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland;

- are traveling for a short period of time, e.g. for tourism, family visits, etc.

How do I get an EHIC? 

You can apply for a European Health Insurance Card at the relevant health authorities in your country of residence. They are obliged to provide it to you because it is your right as an EU citizen/resident.

Please note that the EHIC is issued free of charge!

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