Traveling to Europe comes with so much planning, from picking your ideal destination, accommodation, flights, and tourist attractions to visit.

However, one crucial aspect that travelers usually overlook is getting travel insurance, and this is where the European Insurance Card comes in handy. The European Insurance Card (EHIC) is a free card issued by the European Union that covers necessary medical treatment for European residents and citizens traveling within member states.

This article explores facts about what the European Insurance Card covers when traveling to Europe.

What is the European Insurance Card (EHIC)?

The European Insurance Card (EHIC) is a free card that allows European Economic Area (EEA) residents to access medical treatment when traveling within the member countries.

The card entitles travelers to receive necessary medical care, including public healthcare and emergency dental treatment. The service provided through EHIC is the same as provided to local residents of the country you are visiting. EHIC also covers pre-existing medical conditions, chronic illnesses, childbirth, and routine and emergency medical treatment.

What does the European Insurance Card Cover?

1. Emergency Medical Treatments

The European Insurance card covers emergency medical treatment that is medically necessary for you. It includes treatments for injuries, illnesses, and diseases that need immediate attention.

For instance, it includes emergency hospitalizations, surgeries, and treatments for broken bones.

2. Pre-existing Medical Conditions

If you have pre-existing health conditions, such as asthma, EHIC covers the medical treatment you need while in Europe. However, you need to declare your pre-existing medical condition when applying for the card.

3. Routine and Specialist Treatments

The European Insurance Card covers routine medical treatments, including mammograms, smear test, and eye tests, among others. The card also covers specialized treatments such as cancer treatment, kidney dialysis, and oxygen therapy.

Related Article Understanding the Benefits of the European Insurance Card While Traveling in Europe

4. Maternity Care

If you are pregnant and decide to travel to Europe, EHIC covers the medical treatment you need, including childbirth. However, it does not cover the cost of giving birth abroad if traveling for the sole purpose of giving birth in another country.

5. Emergency Dental Treatment

If you need emergency dental treatment, your EHIC covers the treatment. However, it only covers treatment that requires urgent attention and cannot wait until your return home.

6. Replacement of Lost or Stolen Medicine

If you need to replace your lost or stolen prescription medicine while traveling in Europe, your EHIC covers the replacement cost.

However, bear in mind that you must have enough evidence to prove the value of the medicine and that it is a prescription medication.

What does EHIC not Cover?

While EHIC covers most medical treatment, there are exceptional cases where the card does not cover you. These include:.

1. Private Medical Treatment: EHIC only covers necessary medical treatment required for emergency cases but does not cover private medical care.
2. Cost of Returning Home: Your EHIC does not cover the cost of returning home. Therefore, if you require special transportation arrangements to go back home, the expense will incur on you.
3. Medical Treatment Abroad: EHIC covers you if you need urgent medical treatment while on vacation in another EU country but does not cover medical treatment in other countries such as the USA.
4. Travel Insurance: EHIC is not travel insurance, and it does not cover other travel-related expenses like travel disruption or lost luggage.

How to Apply for EHIC Card?

To apply for EHIC, you need to be a resident of any of the EEA countries, including Switzerland. The application is free, and the card is valid for five years.

To apply, visit the official EHIC website for your country, fill out the required details, and wait for the card’s delivery. In the UK, the EHIC card is issued by the NHS, and you can fill up the form online or call 0300 3301350.

Conclusion

The European Insurance Card (EHIC) is a vital card for anyone planning to travel to any European country.

It provides the much-needed medical cover in case of emergencies, pre-existing medical conditions, and routine and specialist treatments, among others. However, while the card covers most medical treatments, it is not a substitute for travel insurance, which covers other travel-related costs such as lost luggage or travel disruptions.