European Health Insurance Card: Who Qualifies and What You Get
Understand how the European Health Insurance Card provides emergency medical care for insured residents traveling throughout the EU.
The European Health Insurance Card provides access to necessary medical treatment when you are traveling within the EU.
Who it's for
This scheme is available to all insured residents. If you have valid health insurance coverage, you qualify to use this card to ensure you can access medical services during your travels across the EU.
What you get
If you require medical attention while traveling in the EU, this card allows you to receive emergency medical care. It is designed to ensure you can access the medical treatments that people in the country you are visiting are entitled to under their local healthcare systems.
What it costs you
There is no extra cost to obtain this card. It is entirely free of charge and is included as part of your existing insurance card.
The catch to know
The most important thing to remember is that this is not a full travel insurance policy. It only covers medical care provided through public healthcare systems. It does not provide the same level of coverage as private travel insurance, so you should be aware that it is limited to public healthcare services.
How to apply
- Check your current insurance status to ensure you are an insured resident.
- Contact your health insurer to request the card.
- Keep your insurance card with you whenever you travel within the EU.