European citizens enjoy many advantages when it comes to traveling around the Old Continent. For example, a large part of their territories belong to the Schengen Area, which can be accessed with just a valid ID without the need for a passport.
Another benefit when traveling in Europe has to do with medical issues. Thanks to the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), a personal and non-transferable, free document that entitles you to receive medical benefits when necessary.
You are entitled to these services temporarily in countries that belong to the European Economic Area, the United Kingdom, or Switzerland, taking into account the nature of the benefits and the duration of the planned stay, following the legislation of the host country. It is effective regardless of the reason for the trip (tourism, professional activity, or study).
When does the European Health Insurance Card cover you?
You will receive public health care in case of an accident, illness, worsening of a disease, or childbirth. The service will be provided by a doctor, in a hospital or a healthcare center as if you were a resident of the country. It is worth noting that the European Health Insurance Card does not cover private healthcare, does not work in cases of repatriation or rescue. Nor is it valid in the case of traveling to a country solely for medical treatment.
What happens if you don’t have it?
If you do not have the European Health Insurance Card or cannot use it, such as in a private hospital that is not covered, you may have to pay for the treatment. Later, you can request a refund from the health insurance upon returning to the home country. But only treatments that are entitled to in the home country will be reimbursed.
Countries where the European Health Insurance Card is valid
Germany, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Croatia, Denmark, Slovakia, Slovenia, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, United Kingdom, Czech Republic, Romania, Sweden, and Switzerland.
