EHIC: European Health Insurance Card
In this article
The EHIC, fully called the European Health Insurance Card, is a scheme that permits
people to public medical attention in countries under the
European Union
(EU) and the
European Economic Area (EEA). It is for denizens and occupants and does not incur any
cost, i.e., it is issued for free. It can be used anywhere, anytime, even when
relocating to another EHIC compliant nation.
How Does the EHIC Work?
The EHIC is a very innovative project that is efficient in providing health care
solutions. As earlier described, it provides equal eligibility to every user in any
nation that supports it, which means that as an EHIC owner in a foreign EHIC
compliant country, you are entitled to the free health services rendered to its
residents and citizens. Also, if the citizens and residents of that country are
paying a certain reduced fee for any health service, you are allowed to pay that
amount. Most times, the fees are not expensive.
To use an EHIC to get any medical care, all you need is to show your Insurance card.
Does the EHIC Cover All Health Services?
Since the EHIC is a health insurance scheme, you might expect it to cover every
health need and treatment. I'm sorry, no. It does not. It is only available to
public health services. Let us quickly highlight some essential services it offers.
Seeing a Doctor
It is possible to travel to an EU nation and have access to see a medical
practitioner for medical reasons. However, it will require you to contact a licensed
doctor with the NHIF in the region you are going over to. You can get information on
a reliable doctor from hotels and travel agencies. In a case of emergency, you might
not need to be referred by any doctor before accessing any hospital. But note that
you may just get charged a small fee by the hospital.
Drug Prescriptions
Drug prescriptions are taken care of by the Insurance scheme. Some prescriptions are
partially funded, while others are free. However, drugs gotten over the counter like
pain relievers are not taken care of.
Dental Services
Simple dental medications are usually taken care of. Emergency cases are also
handled for free. However, complicated and costly dental procedures are not part of
public health services, so the insurance scheme does not cover them.
Ambulance Service
The ambulance service is also a public service, the EHIC takes care of that as well.
In essence, wherever you are in the EU communities, you are entitled to free
ambulance services.
What Services Are Not Funded by the EHIC?
The insurance scheme does not take care of some health services. Some of them include:
Arranged Medical Attention
The EHIC cannot have a covering for you when you make arrangements solely to see a
doctor or receive media attention.
Intended Child Delivery
The EHIC does not cover your expenses when you travel to an EU state for the sole
intention of childbearing.
Medication in Private Hospitals
As implied, the EHIC was created for public health services, and they must be
received at public health centers and hospitals. This means that the health
insurance scheme does not cover treatments received at private hospitals.
Countries Entitled to the EHIC
The only countries entitled to the use of the Insurance Card are those in the
European Union. There are exceptions for four eligible non-EU countries like Norway,
Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland.
Who Can Own an EHIC?
Being a citizen of the EU qualifies you for the Health Insurance Card within any EU
community and the four nations with the eligibility. Also, obtaining the EHIC is
possible for people with a residence permit in any country under the European Union,
not regarding if the person is a citizen. But, you cannot access the EHIC with a
residential permit in the four eligible countries.
For an EU nation like the UK, it is possible to receive EHICs acceptable in
Liechtenstein, Norway, and Iceland. Also, people from the European Union and the
four eligible countries that were UK residents before the beginning of January 2021
are eligible to obtain the EHICard. Other eligible individuals are
- UK pensioners that relocated to any EU or eligible countries before thebeginning of January 2021.
- Workers that live in an EHIC enabled state and work in another state before thebeginning of January 2021.
- People that traveled to Liechtenstein or Iceland before the beginning ofJanuary. They will enjoy the privileges until they travel to another nation.
EHIC Application
Applying for a European Health Insurance Card can be done through different methods.
If you can, make your way to any official office to apply for an EHIC and receive
it. But if you cannot make it to any healthcare office, you can make an online
application or mail. After requesting the card, it will be delivered in due time.
The whole application process is free, except for private companies licensed by the
government to register applicants.
For every country, there is an authorized regulatory body to contact when making an
application for an EHIC. Some of them include countries: Croatia, Austria, Denmark,
Belgium, Czech Republic, Estonia, Cyprus, Finland, Bulgaria, and many others.
Can The EHIC Expire?
Do not be surprised. The EHIC expires. Although its validity varies from country to
country, most Insurance Cards stay valid for up to 5 years. Some countries even
offer cards that can stay for up to 10 years. The card's expiration date is usually
inscribed, so it will not be difficult to find it.
Can I Renew My EHIC?
Did you think of this next? Yeah! Once your card expires, you can get another one by
applying again like you did the first time. It can be by mail, online, or offline.
If you have changed some of your information like your address, surname, etc., you
must apply the updates before renewing your card. But if no data is changed, the
application and delivery process is seamless and swift.
EHIC vs ETIAS
With the visa-free travel waiver, ETIAS Europe which will become effective by the
end of 2022, you will not require any medical travel insurance. This means the ETIAS
will also act as a health insurance to provide public health protection and
attention for ETIAS EU countries
residents and visitors. To apply for ETIAS, you
will need to fill in your personal data, country of residence, nationality, and
passport details via the online application form. All the application can be
completed in less than ten minutes.
EHIC FAQs
Do you have questions about the EHIC? These answers will be of help.
Can I Continue a Treatment in another EU country?
If you suffer from an illness and want to relocate to another country under the EU for further treatments, your card can cover the expenses. However, ensure to receive treatments from any public hospital or doctor that works with the National HealthCare Fund.Can the EHIC Cover My Pregnancy?
In terms of pregnancy, the EHIC only funds primary natal care and accidental
childbirths. But if you want to travel to give birth to your child, you are not
insured. For periodic health checks and other services relating to pregnancy, you
might be charged a token or nothing at all, as long as you are receiving the
services in a public health center.
Can I Use my EHIC for Dialysis and Chemotherapy?
Using the insurance for dialysis and chemotherapy is not generally decided. It
differs between countries. It is best to consult doctors or the healthcare
administration to know if it is covered in your country or the one you intend to
travel to.
Do not forget that some services are paid for in some countries, while others are
free. Also, some countries require that you pay for the treatment and get repayment
after the treatment.
FAQ
Do you have questions about the EHIC? These answers will be of help.
Is The European Health Insurance Card Still Valid?
If your European health insurance card is not expired yet, you may be wondering if you can still use it due to recent developments. The UK and the EU just concluded a deal, where they have announced that the cards can still be used till their expiry date. When renewing, you will be issued a GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card) which will be adopted as the newly accepted card.Can You Renew an Expired EHIC card?
The EHIC has a validity of about 5 years which may vary depending on the country. Upon expiration, you cannot get a new EHIC. However, you apply for a GHIC, which does the same job as the EHIC. The GHIC may cover every other routine check-up, emergency, etc. But in the case of chronic illness, however, they may not be available. You would also be needing travel insurance, as this may not cover that as well.Who Is Entitled to an EHIC Card?
To be granted a European health insurance card, you must, of course, be a resident of any member state of the European Union. The EHIC is made available for every member of the family who is fully ensured or possesses a state social security number.Do You Have to Pay to Renew Your EHIC Card?
No, you do not have to pay for the renewal of your EHIC. It is free, but you are advised to apply for renewal at least 2 weeks before your current EHIC card expires. This is so that you’re left stranded pending the time taken to process your renewal request and issue a new card.How Much is an EHIC Card?
Whether applying for an EHIC or renewing your EHIC, they are both free so long as the needed requirements are provided. It is advised to go through the official NHS website as other fraudulent sites may request you pay.What Do EHIC Cards Cover You for?
What the EHIC cards do may vary in different nations. However, the difference may be, it covers the earlier mentioned entitlements of routine check-ups, emergencies, etc. When visiting another EU country, if they don’t provide free medical attention, they give it at a subsidized rate.
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