European health insurance card
In this article, you'll find :
- the main information on the European Health Insurance Card, which is required when you travel temporarily to certain countries.
- the countries covered
- the cost of the card
- how to obtain it and how long it takes
What is the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)?
The European Health Insurance Card is designed to give European citizens easier access to healthcare services when they travel to other countries in the European Union, Norway, Liechtenstein, Iceland and Switzerland. This card guarantees you the same access to public healthcare facilities as any citizen of the country you are visiting, enabling you to be treated locally, without necessarily having to be evacuated.
Doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and care facilities all accept this card, which allows you to be reimbursed immediately or after your return home if the country where you have been treated bills for medical care. The European Health Insurance Card definitively replaces the old forms (E 110, E 119 and E 128).
What is the purpose of the European Health Insurance Card?
In a nutshell, the EHIC allows you to:
- Receive necessary medical care during temporary stays in another covered country.
- Be treated under the same conditions as local insured persons.
- Avoid complex administrative procedures for reimbursement.
It is useful in the event of :
- Sudden illness
- Accident
- Medical emergency
How much does the European Health Insurance Card cost?
The European Health Insurance Card is available free of charge from local health insurance organizations, as each country produces and distributes the EHIC on its territory.
In Switzerland, it is also free, and no fee is charged for its issue or renewal.
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How do I obtain a European Health Insurance Card?
To receive a card, you must be covered by a national social security system in a member state of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland. If you are a national of a non-EU country, you can benefit from the EHIC if you reside in an EU member state and are covered by a social security system. Please note that the European Health Insurance Card does not allow you to receive medical treatment while in Denmark, and that Romanian and Bulgarian citizens cannot use their EHIC in Switzerland. Each member of a traveling family must have his or her own card.
In Switzerland, the EHIC is provided free of charge by your health insurance fund. To apply for a European Health Insurance Card, you must either log on to your online customer area, or contact your health insurance fund directly by telephone or e-mail. The card will usually be sent to you by post. In most cases, however, you'll find your European Health Insurance Card on the back of your insurance card.
How long does it take to obtain a European card?
It usually takes between 7 and 14 days to receive your card. It is therefore advisable to :
- Apply at least two weeks before departure.
- In an emergency, request a provisional replacement certificate, valid for 3 months.
Which countries are covered by the European Health Insurance Card?
The European Health Insurance Card is valid in :
- all European Union member states
- Switzerland
- Norway
- Iceland
- Liechtenstein
You should bear in mind that this card does not cover your health expenses abroad if the purpose of your trip is to obtain treatment for an illness or injury you already had before you left. Nor does it cover care administered by private providers.
To find out more, visit the KVG website.
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