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The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is a card that entitles you to receive medically necessary, state-provided healthcare during a temporary stay in any of the 27 EU member states, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
The EHIC is not a substitute for travel insurance. It does not cover private healthcare, or any costs related to your travel, such as repatriation or lost luggage. However, it does cover a wide range of medical emergencies, including:
To get an EHIC, you must be a citizen of one of the countries that participates in the scheme. You can apply for an EHIC online or through your national health insurance provider.
European Health Insurance Card
The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is a valuable card that can provide you with peace of mind when travelling in Europe.
- Free healthcare
- Covers emergencies
- Easy to apply for
- Accepted in 32 countries
If you are planning on travelling to Europe, make sure to get an EHIC before you go. It could save you a lot of money in the event of a medical emergency.
### Free healthcare
One of the most important benefits of the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is that it entitles you to free healthcare in any of the 32 participating countries.
- Medically necessary care
This includes any treatment that is necessary to protect your health, such as emergency care, hospital treatment, and specialist consultations.
- State-provided healthcare
This means that you will be treated in the same way as a resident of the country you are visiting. You will not be charged for any treatment that is covered by the local healthcare system.
- Temporary stays
The EHIC is valid for temporary stays of up to 90 days. If you are planning on staying in Europe for longer than 90 days, you should contact your national health insurance provider to find out if you are eligible for other healthcare coverage.
- Not a substitute for travel insurance
The EHIC does not cover private healthcare, or any costs related to your travel, such as repatriation or lost luggage. It is important to have travel insurance in addition to your EHIC.
If you are travelling to Europe, make sure to get an EHIC before you go. It could save you a lot of money in the event of a medical emergency.
### Covers emergencies
The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) covers a wide range of medical emergencies, including:
Emergency care
This includes treatment for life-threatening conditions, such as heart attacks, strokes, and serious injuries. Emergency care is typically provided in hospital emergency departments.
Hospital treatment
If you need to be admitted to hospital, the EHIC will cover the cost of your hospital stay, including surgery, medication, and other medical treatment. You may have to pay a small fee for some services, such as a TV or telephone in your hospital room.
Specialist consultations
If you need to see a specialist, the EHIC will cover the cost of your consultation. You may have to pay a small fee for some specialist services, such as a private consultation or a non-urgent appointment.
Medically necessary transport
If you need to be transported to another country for medical treatment, the EHIC will cover the cost of your transport. This includes transport by ambulance, plane, or train.
The EHIC is a valuable card that can provide you with peace of mind when travelling in Europe. It covers a wide range of medical emergencies, and it can save you a lot of money in the event of a medical emergency.
### Easy to apply for
Applying for a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is quick and easy. You can apply online or through your national health insurance provider.
**To apply online:**
1. Go to the website of your national health insurance provider.
2. Find the section on EHICs.
3. Click on the link to apply for an EHIC.
4. Fill out the online application form.
5. Submit your application.
**To apply through your national health insurance provider:**
1. Contact your national health insurance provider.
2. Ask for an EHIC application form.
3. Fill out the application form.
4. Return the application form to your national health insurance provider.
**Once you have applied for an EHIC, you will receive it in the mail within 10-15 days.**
Applying for an EHIC is free of charge. You can apply for an EHIC at any time, but it is recommended to apply at least two weeks before you travel.
### Accepted in 32 countries
The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is accepted in 32 countries:
* Austria
* Belgium
* Bulgaria
* Croatia
* Cyprus
* Czech Republic
* Denmark
* Estonia
* Finland
* France
* Germany
* Greece
* Hungary
* Iceland
* Ireland
* Italy
* Latvia
* Liechtenstein
* Lithuania
* Luxembourg
* Malta
* Netherlands
* Norway
* Poland
* Portugal
* Romania
* Slovakia
* Slovenia
* Spain
* Sweden
* Switzerland
* United Kingdom
This means that you can use your EHIC to access free or reduced-cost healthcare in any of these countries.
It is important to note that the EHIC is not a substitute for travel insurance. Travel insurance can provide you with additional coverage, such as coverage for lost luggage, trip cancellation, and medical expenses that are not covered by the EHIC.
### FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC):
Question 1: What is the EHIC?
Answer 1: The EHIC is a card that entitles you to receive medically necessary, state-provided healthcare during a temporary stay in any of the 32 participating countries.
Question 2: Who is eligible for an EHIC?
Answer 2: You are eligible for an EHIC if you are a citizen of one of the countries that participates in the scheme.
Question 3: How do I apply for an EHIC?
Answer 3: You can apply for an EHIC online or through your national health insurance provider.
Question 4: How long does it take to get an EHIC?
Answer 4: You will receive your EHIC in the mail within 10-15 days of applying.
Question 5: How long is an EHIC valid for?
Answer 5: An EHIC is valid for 5 years.
Question 6: What does the EHIC cover?
Answer 6: The EHIC covers a wide range of medical emergencies, including emergency care, hospital treatment, and specialist consultations.
Question 7: What does the EHIC not cover?
Answer 7: The EHIC does not cover private healthcare, or any costs related to your travel, such as repatriation or lost luggage.
If you have any other questions about the EHIC, please contact your national health insurance provider.
Now that you know more about the EHIC, here are some tips on how to use it:
### Tips
Here are some tips on how to use your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC):
Tip 1: Carry your EHIC with you at all times when travelling in Europe.
Your EHIC is your proof of entitlement to free or reduced-cost healthcare in any of the 32 participating countries. If you need to access healthcare, you will need to show your EHIC to the healthcare provider.
Tip 2: Make sure your EHIC is valid.
EHICs are valid for 5 years. Check the expiry date on your EHIC before you travel. If your EHIC is about to expire, you should apply for a new one.
Tip 3: Inform your national health insurance provider if you lose your EHIC.
If you lose your EHIC, you should report it to your national health insurance provider as soon as possible. They will be able to issue you a replacement EHIC.
Tip 4: Keep a copy of your EHIC separate from the original.
In case your EHIC is lost or stolen, it is helpful to have a copy of your EHIC. You can make a photocopy of your EHIC or scan it and save it to your phone.
By following these tips, you can ensure that you have access to free or reduced-cost healthcare when travelling in Europe.
The EHIC is a valuable card that can provide you with peace of mind when travelling in Europe. It is important to know how to use your EHIC so that you can access the healthcare you need.
Conclusion
The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is a valuable card that can provide you with peace of mind when travelling in Europe. It entitles you to free or reduced-cost healthcare in any of the 32 participating countries.
The EHIC covers a wide range of medical emergencies, including emergency care, hospital treatment, and specialist consultations. It is important to note that the EHIC is not a substitute for travel insurance. Travel insurance can provide you with additional coverage, such as coverage for lost luggage, trip cancellation, and medical expenses that are not covered by the EHIC.
If you are planning on travelling to Europe, make sure to get an EHIC before you go. It is quick and easy to apply for, and it could save you a lot of money in the event of a medical emergency.
Travel safely and enjoy your trip!