Posted in: Insurance

What is an EHIC Card?

The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is a free card issued by the European Union that gives citizens of EU countries access to necessary medical treatment while travelling within the EU. The card also serves as a form of identification and can be used by individuals who are not eligible for health insurance in their home country.

Benefits of Carrying an EHIC Card

Having an EHIC card offers many benefits when travelling abroad. Firstly, it allows for access to necessary medical care in the event of illness or injury while on holiday in another EU country. This medical care can include hospitalisation, dialysis treatments, and more. The card also provides coverage for certain pre-existing conditions, such as pregnancy-related complications that may arise during a trip abroad. Furthermore, it can help cover the costs associated with any medical treatment received abroad without having to pay out-of-pocket expenses. Additionally, an EHIC card will provide access to reduced or free healthcare services in some countries covered by the scheme.

How Do I Obtain an EHIC Card?

Obtaining an EHIC card is easy and free! All you need to do is fill out a short application form available online or at your local health centre or post office. Applicants must provide personal information such as name and address; proof of identity; and proof of nationality or residency status in order to apply for a card. Once approved, your new EHIC card will be sent directly to your home address within one month from the application submission date.

How Long Does An EHIC Card Last?

An EHIC card usually lasts for up to five years from the date of issue unless otherwise specified on the card itself. However, please note that eligibility requirements may change over time so it’s always important to check regularly if your circumstances have changed since first applying for a card. It’s also important to remember that just because you have an EHIC does not necessarily mean you are entitled to free healthcare services in every EU country – due diligence should still be undertaken prior to travelling abroad in order to understand what medical provisions are available in different countries before visiting them.

What Else Should I Know About My EHIC Card?

You should always keep your original copy of the paper application sent with your approval letter as this document serves as proof that you were indeed issued with a valid EHIC card at some point – although oftentimes digital/electronic copies may also suffice depending on which institution/service provider you are dealing with at any given time. It’s also important to mention here that while having an EHIC entitles its holder access to free/reduced healthcare services throughout participating countries – this does not include repatriation back home – so if possible always check what kind of travel insurance policies are available before embarking on any foreign trips abroad just in case something goes wrong during the course of travel and additional assistance needs be sought from external providers/helpers.