European Health Insurance Card - How To Apply And Get Covered?
The European Health Insurance Cardentitles you to urgent or necessary medical services in public health care networks around the world.
The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) entitles you to medical care while visiting a country in the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland.
Medical care is provided through the social security system of that country, which means that some health care may not be free and may require the payment of user fees. This article will teach you how to apply for the European Health Insurance Card.
What Is European Health Insurance Card?
If you are traveling in a European Union country (or in Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein) and require medical attention, your medical expenses will be covered if you present your European Health Insurance Card.
The front of the EHIC card, which was introduced on June 1, 2004, always looks the same and contains the same information but in different languages to ensure that it is immediately recognized by healthcare providers in each member state.
The card contains each individual's personal information and is free of charge. When traveling abroad, each family member should have their own passport.
The EHIC covers the medical care and treatments you require based on your health status. All you have to do is show your card to your healthcare practitioner (physician, hospital, etc.), and your medical expenses will be covered in accordance with your country of expatriation's social security rules and legislation.
However, if you are traveling to a participating country solely for medical care, your EHIC will be invalid: planned treatments abroad are not covered.
How To Apply For European Health Insurance Card
If you have not yet paid your mandatory health insurance contributions, you can obtain an EHIC card from your health fund for free. Some funds even allow you to order your EHIC card online.
However, make sure you order your EHIC card far enough in advance so that you have it before you leave on your trip.
If you lose your EHIC card, your health fund will issue you with a temporary replacement card and, in more urgent cases, can send it to you by fax or e-mail in the country where you are staying.
To apply for an EHIC, you must first contact the relevant healthcare authorities in your home country. When you contact them and request the card, they are obligated to provide you with one because it is your right as an EU citizen/resident.
If you can't get an EHIC right away, you should be able to get a provisional card. Depending on where you live, you can request the card online, by mail, or in person at the appropriate offices.
People Also Ask
How Much Does The European Health Insurance Card Cost?
The relevant authorities in your country issue the EHIC for free. There are websites that will assist you with the application process, but they will charge you for their assistance. It is not necessary to apply through one of these websites because they are run by private businesses that are not affiliated with national health authorities.
Does The European Health Insurance Card Cover Pre-Existing Conditions?
Yes, if you have a pre-existing medical condition and require treatment while traveling abroad, your EHIC card will cover the costs. Make sure you seek treatment in a public hospital or consult with a doctor who is contracted with the national healthcare fund.
Does The European Health Insurance Card Cover Pregnancy?
A European Health Insurance Card will cover basic maternity care or an unplanned birth while visiting another European country, but it will not cover you if you travel abroad solely to give birth.
As a result, depending on the country, you may pay a small fee or nothing at all for routine checkups and pregnancy-related medical emergencies if you are treated in a publicly funded hospital or clinic.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the European Health Insurance Card entitles you to medically necessary healthcare from a hospital and/or doctor affiliated with the country's state-provided health service.
You are entitled to coverage on the same terms as the country's nationals, and you must pay the same user fees.