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Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion

How do you obtain a card?

You can apply for the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) by contacting your health insurance institution.

Who can benefit from the card?

To be eligible for the card, you must be insured under the public health insurance scheme in any Member State of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland and the UK. Each member of a family should have its own card.

Nationals of non-EU countries cannot use their EHIC for medical treatment in Denmark, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland and the UK.

How long is the card valid for?

The validity period of EHIC varies from one country to another. You are advised to ask your local health authority when you apply for the card.

What action can you take if your local authority refuses to give you the EHIC?

You should be able to appeal with your health insurance institution.

If you are unsure about your rights or need information on how to ensure that your right to receive the EHIC is respected by your national authorities, you can contact Your Europe Advice.

What action can you take if your EHIC is not recognised abroad?

If your EHIC is not recognised abroad you can request your health national institution to contact the doctor or hospital abroad.

If this does not solve your problem, you can ask SOLVIT for help.

National information and contacts

Find out how to apply for a European Health Insurance Card, country by country :