The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) helps eligible people receive medically necessary state-provided healthcare during a temporary stay in participating countries, under the same conditions as people insured there.
It is valuable, but it is not a complete travel-insurance policy.
What the EHIC can do
It gives access to necessary public healthcare according to the rules of the country you visit. Local co-payments can still apply. Eligibility and how to obtain the card depend on your country of insurance.
What it does not replace
The EHIC does not generally cover private healthcare, rescue, repatriation, trip cancellation or lost baggage. Planned treatment also follows different rules.
Check cover you may already have
Credit cards, household policies, premium bank accounts and employer benefits can include travel assistance. Read who is covered, trip-duration limits, destination restrictions and whether the trip must have been paid with the card.
Ask these questions before departure
- What are the medical-expense limits?
- Who decides whether repatriation is medically necessary?
- Which cancellation reasons are covered?
- Are valuables and electronics limited?
- Are skiing, diving or other activities excluded?
- Must assistance approve costs in advance?
Keep policy numbers and emergency contacts available offline.
Further reading
Your Europe — healthcare during temporary stays. Always check your country of affiliation and destination before travelling.