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The EU has authorised a European Health Insurance card that enables you during temporary visits other EU countries to get the same health care as nationals of those countries plus some others. Click the card to find out more.
Question: have you ever been ill on holiday and had to go to the local doctor/ hospital? What was it like?
EU provisions for access to health services
Summary: EU member states have agreed to recognise a single European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) that gives access to health facilities for residents of one member state during temporary visits to other member states.
The EHIC allows access to state provided health care in the EU and the associated countries of Liechtenstein, Iceland, Norway and Switzerland at a reduced cost or free of charge.
The card enables the holder to access the same public health care as residents of the country being visited. If the holder is charged for care, reimbursement will be provided on the spot or on return to home country.
The EHIC is not an alternative to private health insurance and does not cover repatriation to home country, mountain rescue etc.
The card can be obtained on-line or from your local GP practice. It is valid for five years.
Click for more on
the European Health Insurance Card
Factsheet