What is it?
The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is a free card that allows you to access medically necessary, state-provided healthcare while you are temporarily staying in any of the 27 EU countries, as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland, or the United Kingdom.
During your stay, you will receive treatment under the same conditions and at the same cost (which may be free in some countries) as for people insured in that country.
The EHIC is issued by your national health insurance provider.
Important note
The European Health Insurance Card is not an alternative to travel insurance.
It does not cover:
- private healthcare
- costs such as return flights to your home country
- lost or stolen property
It does not cover your costs if you are travelling for the express purpose of obtaining medical treatment.
It does not guarantee free services. Because healthcare systems vary between countries, some services that are free in your home country may not be free elsewhere.
Please note: If you move to another country and make it your habitual place of residence, you should register using the S1 form instead of relying on the EHIC for medical care.
