Visiting countries in Europe, just for sightseeing, study or work purposes is the goal of many people. If you are one of them, then you also need to prepare several important items, such as the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). What is the definition and how does it work?
Get to Know European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
As we know, countries in Europe have long realized the importance of having health insurance, which will support everyone’s medical needs. Awareness of the importance of health, and supported by adequate facilities. That allows all citizens who live in Europe, even foreigners, to get the same access as residents.
One of the important facilities is the European Health Insurance Card or often abbreviated as EHIC. It is a health card that allows each owner to get health services or medical treatment while staying in Europe.
However, for some conditions, this EHIC card does not apply. For example, people who deliberately go to Europe for medical treatment, so this has indeed been planned. Then he should not use EHIC.
In addition, you cannot use this EHIC for treatment at private hospitals. If you may be on vacation using a cruise ship, then you cannot use EHIC either.
Where Can I Use a European Health Insurance Card?
The next question is whether this card is valid in all European countries. No, this card is valid for countries that are members of the EU (Europe Union), EEA (European Economic Area), and EFTA (Europe Free Trade Association). There are at least 27 EA countries plus several other countries.
- Austria
- Denmark
- Greece
- Hungary
- Ireland
- Italy
- Belgium
- Bulgarian
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Polan
- Portugal
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Latvia
- Romania
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
Apart from the countries above, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom are included in the policy.
How Can I Use the Card?
When you are abroad and need medical treatment, you will go to a local hospital. Usually after treatment, the medical staff will ask for payment. You can show your European Health Insurance Card to get fee waivers.
But one thing you need to understand, this card is only valid when you visit or travel to other countries in Europe. When you are in your own home country, you cannot use EHIC, even if it is in Europe.
What does EHIC Cover?
In general, this EHIC is useful for covering unexpected costs due to illness, or other accidents that require you to get medical treatment while in Europe. Therefore, this card will cover unplanned medical care and service costs. Usually, it will cover the costs listed below.
Doctor visits, when you are sick and have to get an examination, moreover you need a doctor. Then EHIC will cover the cost of the doctor’s visit. If you have to be hospitalized, usually some hospitals ask you to pay a small fee for the first day. For the rest, you can undergo an examination and free hospitalization with EHIC.
What about if you need to purchase prescription drugs? No worries, because when you need medicine that has been prescribed by a doctor, then you can also get it for free with EHIC.
Dental examination costs will also be borne by EHIC, as long as it is an emergency and must be handled immediately. However, for further treatment, you may have to pay additional fees.
Can a European Health Insurance Card Cover Pregnancy?
If you are traveling to Europe for traveling purposes, you should not go with a pregnant woman who will be nearing her delivery time. Even if you work in Europe, and bring a family member who is pregnant, that includes planned birth which EHIC will not cover.
But in special cases, unplanned birth can be closed with EHIC. Your health card is a health insurance that serves to cover unexpected costs, including childbirth and maternity care.
GHIC and EHIC: What’s The Difference?
This European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is a health insurance card for residents in EU countries, including the UK and Switzerland. However, since 2021, the United Kingdom has provided policies for citizens and residents in their country, using the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC).
This GHIC role is the same as the EHIC. The person entitled to own this GHIC is a native citizen and legal resident of the UK, and traveling in an EU country. This card can also be owned by people who live in the EU or Switzerland countries but have the S1 and A1 forms issued by the UK.
Things You Should Know About EHIC
European Health Insurance Card is a health card that is valid for 4 years. So, UK citizens who previously had EHIC and wish to renew it after 2021, will be replaced with GHIC.
EHIC and GHIC are cards for individuals, so every sick family member must have the card. In addition, neither EHIC nor GHIC can not be used for examinations in private healthcare.
Which One is Better, EHIC or Travel Insurance?
When it comes to health insurance, particularly for visits to countries in Europe, you have many choices. You can choose EHIC, GHIC, private health insurance, Schengen visa insurance, or even travel insurance. But which one is better? The answer depends on the needs.
You decide for yourself, which one you need more, simply affordable health insurance, or travel insurance that can cover the cost of lost luggage. Don’t forget to consider how long you are staying, your needs, and your costs. So whatever you choose is the best for you.
If you search for travel insurance, Heymondo might be one of the best options that can provide many benefits for you. It guarantees medical expenses of up to €30,000 with various plans. Furthermore, you can get a 5% discount for COVID-19 coverage.
Let’s Get Your Insurance Card Now!
If you are a UK citizen, or a country in the EU, and are preparing to go to another European country, it will be easier to have an EHIC. In addition, by having an EHIC you can be freer to visit other countries afterward, without having to worry about health insurance. So, let’s immediately get the card and cover your needs now!