If you are an EU citizen and unexpectedly fall ill during a temporary stay in another EU country—whether on holiday, a business trip, or studying abroad—you are entitled to receive any necessary medical treatment that cannot wait until you return home. In such situations, you have the same rights to healthcare as people who are insured in the country where you are staying.

To ensure you can access medical treatment abroad, it's important to carry your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) with you on all trips within the EU. This card serves as proof that you are insured in an EU country.

If you do not have an EHIC or if you cannot use it—for example, when seeking private healthcare—you cannot be refused treatment. However, you may be required to pay for the treatment upfront and then seek reimbursement from your health insurer once you return home.

Applying for the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)

In some countries, the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is issued together with your national health card. In other countries, you will need to apply for it separately.

You should not have to pay anything to obtain your EHIC; it is provided free of charge by your health insurer before you travel. Be cautious of rogue websites that ask for payment to order an EHIC on your behalf. These websites should be avoided; always apply for your EHIC directly through your health insurer.

It's also important to check with your health insurer to understand the extent of your coverage, particularly for your family members. For more detailed information about the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), you can visit official resources.

Restrictions on the Use of Your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)

There are certain restrictions to be aware of regarding the use of your EHIC:

• Nationals from non-EU countries cannot use their EHIC for medical treatment in Denmark, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland, unless they are refugees residing in an EU member state or are covered as family members of an EU citizen.
• The EHIC does not cover rescue and repatriation services. This means that if you need transport home after falling seriously ill or after an accident in another EU country, you will require separate insurance coverage for this purpose.
• The EHIC does not cover private healthcare. It can only be used for healthcare services provided by public healthcare providers.
• The EHIC does not cover planned medical treatment in another EU country.