The European Health Insurance Card

The European Health Insurance Card makes it easier for people from the European Union’s 27 Member States plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland to access health care services during temporary visits abroad.

So, if you are going on holiday, a business trip or a short break or are heading off to study abroad, remember to make sure that you have obtained a card. It will help save you time, hassle and money if you fall ill or suffer an injury while abroad.

What are the practical benefits of the card?

The card ensures that you will get the same access to public sector health care (e.g. a doctor, a pharmacy, a hospital or a health care centre) as nationals of the country you are visiting. If you have to receive medical attention in a country that charges for health care, you will be reimbursed either immediately, or after you go home to your own country. The idea is that you are given the care you need to allow you to continue with your stay.

However, it is important to note that the card does not cover your health care costs while abroad if you are travelling in order to obtain treatment for an illness or injury that you had before travelling. Nor does the card cover you for private sector health care providers.

• Some websites are known to be offering the European Health Insurance Card in exchange for money. Please note that the card is available free of charge through your local health authority.

The UK’s National Health Service has a country by country guide (in English) on how to access healthcare or claim refunds during a visit to countries in the European Union plus Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein. Click on the web link of the country that you are visiting to prepare for your trip abroad: