Travelling abroad for holidays is exciting, but accidents can happen. While you are travelling, the European Health Insurance Card gives you access to necessary medical services in Europe.

What if I need a doctor when I am travelling abroad?

With your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) you can receive any medically necessary health treatment under the same conditions and at the same cost as for people insured in the country you are visiting.

The EHIC is valid in any EU country, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland as well as in the United Kingdom.

You can get the EHIC for free. Make sure you apply for it with your national health care provider  well in advance of your departure.

If you want more information on the EHIC while on the go, check our page.

What does EHIC cover?

The EHIC covers any necessary, state-provided healthcare treatment which can't be postponed until you've returned from your stay abroad. Please keep in mind that the European Health Insurance Card:

• is not an alternative to travel insurance. It does not cover any private healthcare or costs such as a return flight to your home country or lost/stolen property
• does not cover your costs if you are travelling for the express purpose of obtaining medical treatment
• does not guarantee free services. As each country’s healthcare system is different, services that are free at home might come with a cost in another country

Useful practical information, country by country

If you would like to obtain useful contacts and costs of medical services in the country you are travelling to, check out our page listing:

• emergency phone numbers
• treatments that are covered and their costs
• how to claim reimbursement
• who to contact in case you lose your card

The database covers 27 EU countries, Iceland, Lichtenstein, Norway, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. It is available in 24 languages.

Background

According to the latest available figures, there are around 242 million EHIC holders.