DinaThe inspiration for this article is the conversation I had a few days ago with my friend who went to the Christmas markets in Vienna that I had recommended. Everything was amazing, the lights, the music, and of course, the food. My poor friend Helen tried a hot dog from one of those kiosks (which looked very respectable, with a queue and customers!) and soon began to feel very unwell… and yes, it was food poisoning, with all that entails.
Fortunately, she didn’t need medical care and recovered with just some discomfort in her hotel room. But do you know what she told me afterward? “I didn’t even have my European Health Card with me! I hadn’t even thought about it!“
And that’s when I realized that I ABSOLUTELY need to talk about this topic. Because, as I always say, it’s better to be prepared and not need it, than to find yourself in a foreign country without your card and crying over your fate (and your money!).
What is the European Health Insurance Card?
This wonderful card is FREE (yes, you read that correctly) and gives you access to medically necessary healthcare when temporarily traveling to any of the 27 EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.
In English, it’s called the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
The best part? You have the SAME rights as local residents. This means that if locals pay a small co-payment, so do you. If they don’t pay anything, neither do you!
Mistake #1 – Don’t tell me, “oh well, I don’t need it.” NEVER and I repeat, never do you know what might happen, even if you’re just going for a weekend in Warsaw or for a day of shopping in Milan!
How can you get the European Health Card?
The application process varies by country, but it’s generally quite straightforward. Each EU member state has its own national health insurance authority that issues the card to its citizens and residents.
For example, in Greece, you can:
- Print the temporary card directly!
- Simply connect to the system with your credentials at Taxisnet
- Check that you are properly insured
For other EU countries, you’ll need to contact your national health insurance provider or visit their official website. Many now offer online applications and digital versions of the card.
CAUTION: Don't fall victim to fraud! Some malicious websites ask you to PAY for issuing the card. DON'T do it! The card is ALWAYS free! (How many times do I have to say it?).
Also, the card is personal, and everyone (even children) must have their own individual card.
What the card covers and does NOT cover
Pay attention here, because this is what confuses most people. The card is not for getting plastic surgery abroad or teeth whitening, for example…
The card COVERS:
The card COVERS:
- Emergency and urgent cases (such as food poisoning, accidents, sudden illness)
- Chronic or pre-existing conditions that require care during your stay
- Pregnancy and childbirth (if you find yourself in such a situation)
- And of course, care in public hospitals and health centers
The card does NOT COVER:
- Private healthcare facilities
- The return flight ticket to your home country (travel insurance covers this)
- Loss or theft of personal property
- Expenses if you travel SPECIFICALLY for medical care
- Rescue and repatriation services
- The cost of co-payments – these are ALWAYS your responsibility
- Planned or specialized treatments for which you need pre-approval from your insurance
Important: The United Kingdom no longer accepts the EHIC since January 1, 2021 (post-Brexit). If you travel to the UK, you definitely need private insurance.
Mistake #2 – Don’t assume everything is free. ATTENTION! Each country has a different healthcare system. What is free in one EU country may NOT be free in another!
For example, in Switzerland and France, an “indirect payment” system operates. Usually, you need to PAY first for health services and THEN request reimbursement – either on-site from the responsible organization (LAMal for Switzerland, CPAM for France) or from your insurance when you return home. Always keep ALL receipts and medical documents!
I want to emphasize that when I visited Switzerland, my friend who had been living there for years warned me repeatedly, “Don’t you dare come without the card – just for an ambulance to arrive it costs 200 euros” (and that was 10 years ago, so imagine how much it would cost now!)
European Health Card: how long is it valid?
The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is usually valid for 5 years from its date of issue, but this may vary depending on the country issuing it.
In most countries, the validity of the EHIC is linked to your health insurance coverage. If your insurance coverage expires before the card expires, then the card automatically becomes invalid.
Always check the expiration date on your card before traveling, and make sure to renew it in time if it’s about to expire.
European Health Card – which countries does it cover?
The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) covers all 27 European Union countries:
| Austria | Greece | Cyprus | Hungary |
| Belgium | Estonia | Latvia | Poland |
| Bulgaria | Ireland | Lithuania | Portugal |
| France | Spain | Luxembourg | Romania |
| Germany | Italy | Malta | Slovakia |
| Denmark | Croatia | Netherlands | Slovenia |
| Sweden | Czech Republic | Finland |
Additionally, it covers the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.
Important note: From January 1, 2021, after Brexit, the United Kingdom no longer accepts the EHIC. Separate travel insurance is required for trips there.
My personal advice
Do you know what I always do now, after some… let’s call them “adventures” abroad? I ALWAYS have with me:
- The European Health Card (of course)
- A photo of it on my phone (for emergencies)
- Additional travel insurance (yes, I PAY for this, but it’s worth the peace of mind!)
In case you need an ambulance in EU countries, with the EHIC, transportation is usually FREE! But be careful – this does NOT apply to rescue operations from mountains, seas, or other special cases.
Also, if you ever need more information about how the card works in a specific country (e.g., which hospitals accept it, which emergency numbers to call, etc.), there is a this EU website where you can find ALL the details by country. It’s that easy!
If you’re preparing for your next trip within Europe, get this card NOW and enjoy your travels with one less worry!
Disclaimer: This advice comes from my personal experience. The article may contain affiliate links: if you purchase anything through these external links, I will receive a small commission – at no additional cost to you – which contributes to the maintenance costs of this website.
