Are you planning a trip around Europe? The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) offers cost-free medical treatment to all European Union (EU) citizens who are traveling to or staying in another EU country.

However, there are some things that you need to know before applying for an EHIC. In this guide, we’ll help you understand everything you need to know about the EHIC.

What is the European Health Insurance Card?

The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is a free card that gives you access to medically necessary, state-provided healthcare throughout the European Union.

It helps reimburse the cost of your medical treatment if you fall ill or have an accident while traveling or living in another EU country. With EHIC, you won’t have to pay upfront for the costs of local healthcare in case the need arises. This benefits all EU citizens, their family members, and legal residents who are within the EU states.

Who Qualifies for EHIC?

All EU citizens residing in the European Union can apply for an EHIC. Once you have the card, you are entitled to the same healthcare in-state given by law to all citizens while on a temporary visit to an EU country.

These benefits apply to holidaymakers, students, and anyone working within the EU. EHIC also allows European citizens to receive medical treatment when traveling or temporarily working within the EU.

How to Apply for an EHIC?

Applying for an EHIC card is very simple. You can apply for it online or by calling the EHIC application service. The necessary personal information needed to submit the application is your name, gender, Birthdate, and National Insurance number.

Also, non-British applicants will need to provide their passport number. Once the application has been processed, the EHIC will be sent by post to the address provided on the application. The processing time is generally within 10 days of application.

How Long is the Card Valid For?

The EHIC card is valid for five years. After this period, you need to renew the card to keep the medical cover. To renew the card, apply for a new card through the same process as above and the new card will be sent to your postal address.

Please note that some countries have different regulations regarding the EHIC, and you should check with the authority responsible for healthcare in your location before you travel.

What Does the EHIC Cover?

The EHIC covers treatment for pre-existing conditions, chronic illnesses, and routine maternity care. EHIC cardholders can also receive treatment for acute medical conditions.

This includes treatments such as dialysis, oxygen therapy, and routine medical treatment for diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis.

What is Not Covered by the EHIC?

The scope of EHIC varies from one EU country to another as state healthcare provisions differ from nation to nation.

Some of the things that are not covered by EHIC include private healthcare, mountain rescue in ski resorts, lost or stolen property, and trip cancellation.

What if You Need to Claim?

In case you require medical treatment while traveling, you must illustrate your EHIC to receive healthcare. This will help hospitals and doctors in your location to determine what medical care you are entitled to.

Some countries may require you to pay a small charge for health services. In these situations, you should keep all receipts to request a refund when returning home.

Does the EHIC Cover Travel Insurance?

No, the EHIC cover is beneficial to people who need before medical, necessary healthcare treatments. EHIC coverage is not a replacement for travel insurance.

The EHIC is not intended to cover all your medical costs if you need ongoing treatment, medical evacuation, or non-medical expenses. Therefore, it’s essential to take out appropriate travel insurance before going abroad.

What to Do if You Lose Your EHIC ?

If you misplace or have your EHIC stolen, you need to apply for a temporary replacement certificate by calling the EHIC application service. The temporary certificate will provide you with the same cover as the normal EHIC.

Once you have returned to your country, you can apply for a new EHIC and the temporary certificate will be deactivated.

Conclusion

EHIC is essential for all EU citizens residing in the European Union. It provides cost-free medical treatment throughout the European Union. If you are planning a visit to the EU, getting an EHIC card should be your priority.

We hope this guide provides you with the essential information you need to know about EHIC. By having this card, you can travel around Europe with peace of mind that medical bills will not be a burden.