European Health Insurance Card (EHIC): Complete 2025 Guide
The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is one of the most valuable documents a European resident can carry. It entitles you to access state-provided healthcare in any EU or EEA country at the same cost as local residents — free or heavily subsidised in most cases.
💡 Important: The EHIC covers medically necessary treatment only — not elective procedures. It does not replace travel insurance, which covers repatriation and trip cancellation.
Who Is Eligible for an EHIC?
Any citizen or legal resident of an EU or EEA member state is entitled to an EHIC free of charge. This includes all EU country citizens plus Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein (EEA). Switzerland has a bilateral agreement providing similar coverage. Children must have their own card.
What Does the EHIC Cover?
The EHIC covers the same state-provided healthcare that local residents receive. In practice this includes: emergency hospital treatment in all EU countries, routine consultations at public healthcare facilities, prescription medications at local subsidy rates, maternity care if needed while abroad, and chronic condition management including dialysis and oxygen therapy.
What the EHIC Does NOT Cover
- Private healthcare facilities — only state-provided services
- Elective or planned treatment you travel abroad specifically to receive
- Medical repatriation back to your home country
- Lost baggage, trip cancellation, or personal liability
- Healthcare in non-EU/EEA countries
EHIC vs Travel Insurance Comparison
| Coverage | EHIC | Travel Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency hospital treatment | ✓ Free | ✓ |
| Routine GP visits | ✓ | Varies |
| Medical repatriation | ✗ | ✓ |
| Trip cancellation | ✗ | ✓ |
| Private hospitals | ✗ | ✓ |
| Cost | Free | €20–€80/trip |
How to Apply by Country
- Germany: Apply through your Krankenkasse online. Card delivered within 2 weeks.
- Sweden: Apply through Försäkringskassan online or at any service centre.
- Finland: Apply through Kela online services or app.
- Ireland: Apply through the HSE at hse.ie.
- France: Apply through your Caisse d assurance maladie at ameli.fr.