You’re a foreigner living in Europe. And you’re probably wondering what health insurance is available to you and how to get started. So, in this post, we’ll explain how to get started using your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
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What is the European Health Insurance Card?
If you are a citizen or resident of the European Union, the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) undoubtedly entitles you to state-provided healthcare in other EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.
EHIC adheres to the same standards for state-provided health insurance as citizens of EU Member States. In some cases, this means getting free medical care.
After Brexit, the UK introduced its own version of her EHIC card, the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). Basically, the card works similarly to its predecessor and allows the Briton to access state health care during her visit to the EU.
Neither EHIC nor her GHIC are a substitute for travel insurance and cannot be used for planned treatments in the EU.
How to use your European Health Insurance Card?
If you’re a foreigner living in the European Union or Switzerland, you are probably familiar with the EHIC. If not, this is a card that gives you access for free. Most importantly reduced-cost health care in any EU or Swiss hospital.
If you have a card and you need health care. Most importantly, the best thing to do is go to the hospital where you are receiving treatment. If you can’t go to the hospital where you are receiving treatment. You can also go to the nearest hospital that is listed on your card.
How does a European Health Insurance Card Work?
If you have an EHIC, you are basically entitled to the same medical benefits as citizens of other EU countries when you travel to them. This means:
- If a citizen or legal resident of that country has free medical care, your treatment will also be free.
- If a citizen or legal resident of that country pays for certain treatments, you must pay in the same way. Prices are usually very low.
What Does EHIC Cover?
Basically, EHIC covers all medically necessary care provided by public health care providers. Also this:
- Doctor visits
Please consult a doctor who is enrolled in the National Health Insurance of the country you are traveling to. If you are unfamiliar with the medical system, ask your hotel, travel guide, or locals to help you find a doctor.
- Prescription
Most National Health Insurance funds fully or partially cover prescription drugs. Flu and cold medicines, or over-the-counter pain relievers are usually not covered by insurance.
- Dental care
In most cases, both basic and emergency dental care are covered. More complex or expensive procedures such as dentures and crowns are not necessarily covered by the NHS and therefore not covered by the EHIC.
How to Use EHIC for Receiving Care?
It’s basically always a good idea to be aware of the healthcare options available and know basically how to use your insurance card. Generally, this insurance allows you to receive medical care in any EU country, no matter how far you are from the medical center.
To use your EHIC, simply go to the website of the hospital. Or the clinic you’re visiting and input the name of the hospital, as well as the dates of your stay, and your EHIC number. You’ll then be asked to provide your passport or ID.
And remember to always carry your EHIC with you and to ask the hospital or clinic if they accept it. If not, they may be able to help you get in touch with the appropriate authorities.
How to Use EHIC for Medical?
If you are a resident of an EU member state and need to undergo any medical procedure, you will need to use your insurance card. Furthermore, this card is issued by your national health insurance provider and can help reduce the cost of medical procedures.
Basically, to use your EHIC. You will need to present your card to the medical professional or hospital staff when making your appointment. Furthermore, you will also need to show your card when you are being examined and during the procedure.
How to Use EHIC in Other Countries?
If you’re traveling to another country and need health care. You’ll certainly need to have your insurance card. This card will usually allow you to receive free or reduced-cost health care in any country that participates in the EHIC program.
There are a few things you need to know in order to use your EHIC. The first is that the card is not valid for all medical care. It is usually only valid for medical care that is covered by your health insurance.
Secondly, the EHIC is not valid for hospital care or for any type of surgery. Finally, the EHIC is not valid for any type of long-term care.
How To Apply EHIC?
To apply for an European Health Insurance Card, firstly, you must contact the relevant healthcare provider in your country of residence. Once you contact them and ask for the card they should provide you with it as it is your right as an EU citizen/resident.
And depending on where you live, you can order cards online, by mail, or by coming to the appropriate office in person.
Below are the authorities by country that you must reach when applying for an EHIC.
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, , Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.
How Much Does EHIC Cost?
EHICs are basically issued free of charge by the relevant authorities in your country. Furthermore, there are websites that help with the application process, but understandably they charge a fee for the assistance. These websites are private companies and not affiliated with the NHS, so you do not need to apply through these websites.
Finally, we hope you enjoyed our blog post about how to use your European Health Insurance Card. This is a very important document if you are a foreigner living in Europe. It will usually allow you to receive medical care in any European country, among many other benefits.