Just before embarking on our European tour, Meri's European Health Insurance Card had expired. Usually, a new one is received by post automatically, but since Meri had moved from Estonia to Finland, there were some troubles and delays with the normal process. Additionally, the official offices being on summer holidays didn't help the situation. So, when we started our trip, Meri didn't have a valid EHIC with her. That was quite risky, but luckily, there was no need for the card during the first month of living in the van.
However, in October, Meri's wisdom teeth began causing severe symptoms that needed to be addressed in Montpellier, France. With the EHIC, the process was remarkably smooth, and we haven't received any invoices so far. Meri simply showed her card at the municipal dental emergency services and received prescriptions, imaging, follow-up appointments, surgical tooth extraction, and post-operative care for just the cost of medications.
In this post, we will endeavor to explain why this card is essential to have and who can obtain it.
European Health Insurance card (EHIC)
- It grants access to state-provided healthcare in other member countries, as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom, with the same conditions and costs as locals.
- It is free of charge
- The appearance of the card varies depending on the country. You can check differnt cards from europa.eu.
What does EHIC cover?
- necessary medical treatment until the person returns home
- treatment for pre-existing medical conditions
- routine maternity care
- provision of oxygen and kidney dialysis
The card does not serve as a substitute for travel insurance since it does not include coverage for private healthcare, repatriation expenses, or guarantee free services.
Additionally, the extent of coverage and associated costs may differ from one country to another. Some things that are free at your own country might not be that everywhere (EHIC does not guarantee free treatment).
If your main reason for traveling is to seek medical treatment, the card won't pay for your expenses.
Who can have the card?
To qualify for a card, you need to be insured or covered by a state social security system in any EU Member State, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland.
Each member of a family traveling separately should have their own card.
Non-EU nationals legally residing in the EU and covered by a state social security scheme are also eligible. However, non-EU nationals cannot use their EHIC for medical treatment in Denmark, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland.
Where to get the card?
You will request the card from the officials in your own country. In Finland we apply from kela.fi. And in Estonia from eesti.ee.
How does it work?
Well that depends on the country. You can get more information about specifics on each country from europa.eu.
Ensure to regularly check the expiry date of your card, as some countries may require it to have at least six months of validity remaining.