The European Health Insurance Card In 5 Questions

If you have planned a trip to Europe for the holidays, don't forget to request the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) at least two weeks before your departure. It will greatly simplify your procedures if you need medical care in a European country.

1- Why request the EHIC?

Outside the borders of France, your health insurance card is not valid. However, you can request its European equivalent from the Health Insurance: the European Health Insurance Card or EHIC.

When you travel in Europe, whether for holidays, professional reasons, or studies, you are covered by this European Health Insurance Card, which certifies your rights.

2. In which countries can the EHIC be used?

Thanks to the European Health Insurance Card, you can benefit from health coverage in the member states of the European Union and in countries applying European regulations, namely Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, the United Kingdom, and Switzerland.

The EHIC can therefore be useful in around thirty European destinations such as Germany, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, Spain, Estonia, Finland, Greece, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, the Czech Republic, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Sweden.

In some countries, you will not have to pay upfront; in others, you will be reimbursed by the local social security system.

3- How to apply for the European Health Insurance Card?

You must request the European Health Insurance Card from the CPAM at least two weeks before departure. You can apply for it by phone or online via your Ameli account.

This card is issued free of charge, without any particular formalities. The card is valid for a maximum of 2 years, provided you have entitlements to French health insurance.

Note: the EHIC is nominative and individual. This means that children must have their own European Health Insurance Card.

4- What treatments are covered by the EHIC?

If you fall ill or get injured or have an accident while staying in a European country, your medical expenses (consultations, medication, hospitalization in public services) will be covered according to the legislation in force in the country of stay.

Note: Only medically necessary treatments (those that allow you to complete your stay under good conditions) will be covered, not planned and scheduled treatments. Rescues and emergency repatriations are not covered.

If you have not received your European Health Insurance Card in time and did not request reimbursement on site (or if you used private healthcare providers), keep your invoices and receipts. You may be able to get reimbursed upon your return, within the limits of French rates.

5- What should be planned for a stay in Europe?

In addition to your European Health Insurance Card, remember to bring a first aid kit that will help you with minor health issues. Include medications for pain, fever, and diarrhea, creams for insect bites and sunburn, as well as a disinfectant lotion, compresses, and bandages.

People undergoing treatment should bring a sufficient quantity and know the "generic" name of their medication to be able to get it prescribed abroad if necessary.

Finally, the only emergency number to remember is 112, which is valid throughout Europe from any phone, including mobile phones. It allows you to reach the police, fire department, or medical emergencies like SAMU.