The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is a free card that provides access to necessary, state-provided healthcare during a temporary stay in any of the 27 EU countries, as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. It ensures that you receive medical care under the same conditions and at the same cost (which may be free in some cases) as residents of the country you are visiting. The card covers essential medical services, including treatment for chronic or pre-existing conditions, and care related to pregnancy and childbirth.
The EHIC is issued by your national health insurance provider and is an important tool for accessing healthcare while abroad. However, there are some important limitations to be aware of:
- The EHIC is not a substitute for travel insurance. It does not cover private healthcare or costs related to a return flight to your home country, nor does it cover lost or stolen property.
- The card does not cover healthcare costs if you are traveling specifically to receive medical treatment.
- It does not guarantee that services will be free, as healthcare systems and costs vary from country to country. Services that are free in your home country might not be free in another.
Additionally, if you move your habitual residence to another country, you should not use the EHIC for medical care. Instead, you should register with the S1 form to receive healthcare in your new country of residence.