European Health Insurance Card: keeping you safe abroad

Because you don´t choose where or when you get sick, avoid surprises and ask for your European Health Insurance Card to be covered all over the EU.

Published: 27-07-2018 Last updated: 16-07-2024 - 17:02 2 min read

European health insurance card handed to doctor in doctor's office

You have bought tickets, booked that nice hotel by the sea, your neighbour has agreed to take care of your cat - everything is ready for that long-awaited holiday. But wait, aren’t you forgetting something? Ask for your European Health Insurance Card; just in case something goes wrong.

What is the European Health Insurance Card?

A free card that gives you access to medically necessary, state-provided healthcare during a temporary stay in all EU countries as well as in Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland and the United Kingdom, under the same conditions and at the same cost - free in some countries, but not all - as people insured in that country.

What is the Euroepan Health Insurance Card NOT meant for?

The card covers only medical care that becomes necessary during a stay in another EU country. It doesn’t cover costs if you are travelling expressly to seek medical treatment, nor is it alternative to travel insurance and it does not cover any private healthcare or costs such as a return flight to your home country or lost/stolen property.

Find out more