More than half of the EU population holds a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), Brussels reminded citizens on Thursday, underlining the card’s role in guaranteeing access to necessary and urgent healthcare while travelling abroad.
What the Commission announced
The European Commission said the EHIC enables cardholders to receive necessary and urgent medical care outside their country of residence, including treatment related to chronic or existing illnesses, pregnancy and childbirth. The card is valid across the European Union and in Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
According to the Commission, presenting an EHIC allows travellers to obtain healthcare services directly from public and participating facilities under the same conditions and at the same cost as people insured in the country they are visiting. The statement stressed that national systems differ, so services free of charge at home might not be free elsewhere.
The Commission also highlighted practicalities: the EHIC is not a substitute for travel insurance, does not cover private healthcare costs or planned medical treatments, and is free to apply for through a person’s national health insurance institution. Applicants typically receive the card by post within a few days, and a replacement certificate can be requested for imminent travel.
Why it matters
The reminder aims to clarify what the EHIC covers and to dispel common misunderstandings ahead of the travel season. For EU citizens and residents travelling within the covered countries, the EHIC can reduce financial uncertainty when seeking urgent or necessary care abroad by ensuring access to publicly provided healthcare on broadly the same terms as locals.
For national health authorities and insurers, the card frames cross‑border administrative procedures: travellers can either obtain reimbursement directly from the national institution while still in the country visited or claim reimbursement from their home health insurer after returning home.
What happens next
The Commission’s communication is informational and does not announce regulatory changes. It directs citizens to contact their national health insurance institution to apply for the card or a replacement certificate before travelling. No additional steps or deadlines were indicated in the announcement.
By reiterating these rules, the Commission seeks to make EU residents aware of an existing entitlement that can reduce unexpected healthcare costs and administrative hassle when medical needs arise while travelling abroad.
Source: European Commission press release
