Getting An EU Medical Card: How To Do It And What You Get

Getting an EU medical card, formally known as a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), is a highly recommended step to take before venturing to Europe for your holidays. However, not everyone knows how to obtain it or who can be covered by it, let alone the finer details such as what it covers, what it doesn’t, and how often it should be renewed. Here you will find a brief breakdown of how it works to help you make an informed decision.

Am I Entitled to an EHIC?

The main thing to know when figuring out whether you are eligible for an EU medical card or not is whether you are ‘ordinarily resident of the UK and of British, other EU/EEA or Swiss nationality’. You may also be eligible if you live abroad (within the EEA) but receive a UK pension.

If you will be travelling with your family, it is important that every member has their own card. However, it is possible for a main applicant to apply on behalf of other family members within the same EHIC form.

Where Can I Find an EHIC Form?

Obtaining an EU medical card is surprisingly easy, and there are three paths you can follow.

If you go to ehic.org.uk, the official government website, you will easily find an online form that you can fill out. The process is very straightforward, simply asking you a few questions and checking your eligibility. If you meet the conditions, you will be covered straightaway. It is also possible to download an EHIC form to complete manually and post it to the NHS address provided, or to follow an automated telephone service. Either way, you will receive coverage for five years from the date on which you apply.

What Does the EHIC Cover?

Your EU medical card will provide you with ‘access to state provided healthcare’ in the EEA. This means that, essentially, in whichever country you travel to, you will receive the same level of free healthcare that a resident of that country would.

The EHIC includes cover for medical treatment following an injury or sudden illness, as well as routine medical care if you have a pre-existing medical condition that needs to be monitored during your stay abroad.

So is There Anything it Doesn’t Cover?

Unfortunately, yes. Because you are only entitled to the ‘same level of care as a resident’ of the country you visit, you may be surprised to find that some services provided require a contribution or co-payment.

The EU medical card will not cover you if you have travelled abroad specifically to receive medical treatment, which includes giving birth, so please be aware of this when booking your holiday.

Anything Else I Need to Know?

It is important to reiterate that the EHIC is not equivalent to travel insurance. Thus, it will not cover things like repatriation, should you need or want to return to the UK for further treatment. Without a private insurance policy that covers repatriation, the costs will fall back on you, which can prove very expensive.

While remembering that the EHIC is not a substitute for travel insurance, do ensure that you apply for one alongside your private travel insurance before setting off abroad.

P.K. Chong is the Managing Director of All About EHIC. As a major insurance authority, we provide information and top up insurance for those travellers with an EU medical card (EHIC). This top up insurance will cover issues not covered by the EHIC card.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.