Imagine you are planning an exciting trip through Europe. The exact destination has not yet been decided: whether it will be the charming streets of Paris, the sunny beaches of Spain or the impressive fjords of Norway - you are ready for your travel adventure. In the midst of planning, an important question arises: Am I adequately protected in the event of illness? This guide answers this and other frequently asked questions about the European Health Insurance Card.
What is the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)?
The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is a certificate for EU citizens with statutory health insurance. It gives you access to medically necessary treatment abroad - under the same conditions as nationals.
Where is the European Health Insurance Card valid?
The EHIC is valid in the 27 EU member states as well as in the EFTA (European Free Trade Association) member states Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.
Who is the European Health Insurance Card valid for?
The EHIC is valid for all persons who have statutory health insurance in an EU member state, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland.
Where can I get the European Health Insurance Card?
In Austria, the EHIC is usually printed on the back of your e-card. If this is not the case for you, you can request it free of charge from your health insurance company.
How much does the European Health Insurance Card cost?
The European Health Insurance Card is free of charge. It is issued by your statutory health insurance provider at no additional cost to you.
What benefits are available with the European Health Insurance Card?
With the EHIC you are entitled to medical treatment that cannot wait until your return to Austria. This includes visits to the doctor, hospital stays, medication and other necessary medical services. However, the EHIC only covers state healthcare services. This means that you have access to public hospitals and doctors that are part of the state healthcare system. The exact benefits vary from country to country, as each country has its own healthcare system.
What services are not covered by the European Health Insurance Card?
The EHIC does not cover private medical services. This means that treatment in private hospitals or by private doctors is not covered by the EHIC. In addition, the EHIC is not valid if the purpose of the trip is medical treatment. In some countries, a co-payment may also be incurred for certain medical services despite the EHIC.
What are the reasons for additional travel health insurance?
Although the EHIC offers sensible basic cover, there are good reasons why additional international travel health insurance is advisable:
- Extended insurance cover: The EHIC only covers state medical services. Good international travel health insurance also covers more expensive private healthcare services and transportation home to Austria.
- Cost coverage: In some countries, patients have to pay in advance and later claim the costs back from their health insurance company. Travel health insurance abroad can cover these costs directly.
- Additional benefits: Good international travel health insurance often offers additional benefits that are not covered by the EHIC. For example, the assumption of costs for rescue, recovery or transportation home.
Comprehensive protection with European Travel Insurance
If you want to be really safe on your trip, it is advisable to take out additional international travel health insurance in addition to the EHIC. TravelCover from Europäische Reiseversicherung offers:
- Comprehensive medical cover in the event of illness or accident
- Transportation home
- Cover for search and rescue costs and other benefits not covered by the EHIC.
So you can enjoy your trip carefree and are well covered, no matter where your trip takes you.
Take out TravelCover now