European Health Insurance Card For US Citizens - Low Cost Medical Care
Your entitlement to coverage of medically necessary treatment in another EEA country under the same terms as that country's own people is formally documented by the European Health Insurance Card for US citizens(EHIC).
If you will be staying temporarily in another country that is a part of the EEA or Switzerland, you are required to carry the card with you.
Benefits such as those provided in combination with chronic or existing illnesses, as well as those offered in conjunction with pregnancy and delivery, are examples of the types of benefits that are covered.
Who Is Eligible And Where Can You Use It?
The European Health Insurance Cardprogram is used in 31 countries. That's 27 European Union countries, 4 European Free Trade Association countries, and Switzerland. The UK Global Health Insurance Card can also be used by people who live in the UK (UK GHIC).
To use the EHIC, you don't have to be a citizen of an EU country. In most countries, the EHIC covers you if you are a legal resident and covered by European social security. But even if you get the EHIC and are a legal expat resident, you can't use it in Denmark, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland.
The EHIC can be used in Martinique, Guadeloupe, Reunion, and French Guiana, which are all French overseas territories that are part of the European Economic Area (EEA). But places like Jersey, the Isle of Man, Aruba, the Channel Islands, and French Polynesia that are not part of the EEA are not included.
Every rule, though, has some exceptions. Even though the Faroe Islands and Greenland are not in the EEA, they have agreements that let them use the EHIC.
Lastly, the EHIC says that it covers all Europeans everywhere in Europe, but there is one exception that stands out. In Switzerland, EHIC can't be used by people from Croatia.
How To Apply For A European Health Insurance Card For US Citizen?
The fact that the European Health Insurance Card is completely free is without a doubt its most attractive feature. In all honesty, there are not even any potential costs connected with doing so.
On the other hand, several businesses with less than stellar reputations have promoted their capabilities as third-party administrative coordinators.
They will handle the application process on your behalf if you pay them a significant price to do so. When it comes to acquiring travel visas, such services may be useful; nevertheless, the European Health Insurance Card does not require their use in any way.
Do You Still Need Other Kinds Of Insurance?
The European Health Insurance Card is not intended to serve as a substitute for purchasing separate travel insurance. When compared to the coverage provided by a European health insurance card (EHIC), the protection offered by a standard travel insurance policy for Europe is completely different.
The European Health Insurance Card offers no assistance in the event of misplaced luggage, medical evacuations, or safeguarding travel arrangements.
In addition, the EHIC program will only cover medical care if it is provided by a public hospital or clinic. When you visit a country, you are accorded the same rights and responsibilities as its citizens. You will wait in line in the same manner as the locals do at the public hospitals and clinics.
If you normally live in a country that has exceptionally high standards for its public healthcare facilities, but you're traveling to a member country where the public healthcare system is less robust, purchasing private health insurance will improve your level of convenience and discretion while you're there.
People Also Ask
Can I Use My US Health Insurance In Europe?
The vast majority of health insurance policies sold in the United States, including Medicare, provide minimal to no coverage outside the country's borders. It is essential for anyone living in the United States to purchase adequate travel insurance before going to Europe.
Can A US Citizen Get An EHIC?
To make advantage of the EHIC, being a citizen of an EU country is not required.
What Does A European Health Insurance Card Cover You?
EHICs and GHICs only cover public healthcare; they do not pay for private treatment. If you have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), you will be able to receive necessary medical care at the same cost as a resident of the nation you are visiting. This indicates that you may be eligible to receive medical care at a reduced cost or at no cost at all.
Conclusion
Coverage for both expected and unanticipated medical expenses is included with the European Health Insurance Card for US citizens. As an illustration, consider the possibility of fracturing an arm, suffering a chest infection, or needing medical attention following a car accident.
In addition to this, it offers care in the event that a significant medical condition such as diabetes or asthma persists over time.