Cyprus Expat | Article: Moving To The UK - EHIC European Health Insurance Cards

Moving To The UK - EHIC European Health Insurance Cards

Information for Expats on European Health Insurance Cards, who is entitled to use them, and when, with procedures, when Moving To The UK

European Health Insurance Cards - EHIC

Anyone planning a temporary visit abroad, such as a holiday or business trip, should take the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). The card allows people from the EU Member States, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland to access health care services when visiting these countries.

EHIC holders are entitled to access public sector health care in the same way as nationals of the country they are visiting. The card covers short-term health care, including maternal care for pregnant mothers and the management of pre-existing conditions.

Anyone who needs medical care should show their card to the appropriate health professionals, be they doctors, pharmacists or health centre workers. They will then get the medical attention they need. The aim is to provide people with the treatment they require so that they can continue with their trip or holiday.

Payments and reimbursements

Depending on the country visited, health care will be free or, if there is a charge, payment will be reimbursed. If payment is required up-front, the card guarantees that the holder will get their money back, either immediately or when they return home.

It is important to note that the card does not cover the health costs of people going abroad for planned medical treatments, nor does it provide for treatment under private health care.

In addition, the card does not cover repatriation costs, such as an air ambulance to get someone home. This is why the EHIC should be seen as complementary to travel insurance, not a replacement.

Applying for a card

The EHIC is issued free of charge and can be obtained from the applicant’s local health authority. To be eligible, applicants must be covered by the social security system in any of the participating countries. Every family member should have their own card.

All EHICs carry basic information – just the holder’s name, date of birth and a personal identification number. The cards do not carry any medical information.

Anyone who forgets to take their card abroad or loses it can apply for a replacement certificate which will provide them with the same cover. All they have to do is ask their health authority to fax or email the provisional replacement.

Text last edited on: 02/2012

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Updated 08 May 2012

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