The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is a travel insurance passport within Europe. By that I mean if you are resident in European Country A and a member of their National Health Insurance scheme, you can apply for the free European Health Insurance Card and use that in the Euro area for accident, illness and emergency healthcare in European Country B plus Switzerland as you would a travel insurance policy.The reason a European Health Insurance Card is issued is that it is issued by your National Health Scheme. Simply having a passport from a European country does not guaranty that you are a member of the National Health Insurance Scheme in your home country. The European Health Insurance card has no photo, so you may be asked for your passport as an additional verification of identity.It cannot be used for elective or urgent medical treatment, generally speaking anything that you could postpone and have done at home.

• European Health Insurance Card Malta

It also cannot be used to travel specifically for medical treatment. It will cover treatment like kidney dialysis and for other chronic conditions unlike travel insurance that would deem these pre-existing conditions.In 2005 the European Health Insurance Card superseded a number of forms that separately covered truck drivers, international students, transient workers, and tourists. This made the new regime simpler and one card for all thus cutting red tape.Each country has different validity periods for their cards and Romania apparently won’t issue one unless you’ve been a member of their National Health Insurance Scheme for 5 years. So you have to check the specifics of your home country to get the details.There are scams out there where agents will for a fee complete an application for you and check it for errors. They seem to imply in their promotional material that you need them in order to get the European Health Insurance Card. This is false and countries like the UK have issued cease a desist orders but the scammers won’t go away.

European Health Insurance Card Malta

We offer an audit and submission service for European Health Insurance Card applications for a processing fee. Please note that you can apply independently and at no cost for a free ehic card by visiting the official government website www.gov.uk or through the automated EHIC application service on 03. Your health insurance fund will issue you with a health insurance card, which you have to take with you whenever you visit a doctor, dentist or specialist. The website Krankenkassen Zentrale lets you compare health insurance. However, the information is only available in German. If you are a worker posted by a UK company to Germany, you may be.

This card is free and easily applied for.

EHIC In GermanyUnderstanding EHIC use in GermanyAs a continent of diverse nations, Europe is an exciting and inspiring area to explore. When on your travels it is important to feel reassured your healthcare is covered.

No matter whether you are on a skiing holiday or a beach holiday, you never know when an emergency may strike. In the UK we are fortunate to have a free health service to support us in our time of need. When visiting other European countries, it is important to remember that free healthcare does not always extend across borders.Using EHIC in GermanyIf you are planning to visit Germany, a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) can be a valuable asset.

In the unfortunate event that you need to seek healthcare, an EHIC in Germany can be used as a form of cover. If you need medical attention in Germany, you should make sure that you use public healthcare services instead of private healthcare services. The EHIC will provide you with access to public services for free, or at a reduced cost, but it will not cover you for any costs incurred as a result of receiving private treatment. Receiving private healthcare services abroad is guaranteed to leave you with a large bill on top of your other travel expenses.Health Services in Germany with EHICAs the public healthcare system in each country differs, so does the uses of the EHIC card. Some countries in the Eurozone may limit the services available to EHIC owners or you may be required to pay a fee.

In Germany, your EHIC will cover you for a number of services for free or a small fee. Previously, there was a patient co-payment for GP and dental visits but this was abolished in 2013. Always carry legitimate identification alongside your EHIC in order to receive the healthcare you are entitled to. These services predominantly include dentists (free for under 18s), hospitals, prescriptions, ambulance and air ambulance.Hospital and prescription services may include a small fee depending on the circumstances. These costs will not be reimbursed by public health services at any point. Having your EHIC is fundamental to ensuring any charges that you do incur are correct based on the service. After using any of the services in Germany, it is important to keep a hold of any paperwork and receipts for future reference.

Some private insurance companies may offer a reimbursement for any charges incurred. On the other hand, it is crucial not to rely on this entirely and therefore use private health services instead. With a valid EHIC, you will be entitled to benefit from most of the health services in Germany for free or a reduced fee.How can I apply for an EHIC?You can apply for your European Health Insurance Card through our online application service. Each application can also include a partner and up to four dependent children under the age of eighteen. Our team will thoroughly check your application to make sure it is error free and process your application. Upon confirmation of approval, you can expect your EHIC Card to arrive by post in 3-10 working days.

Application for a New CardIn case of a new/first European Health Insurance Card, the following information will be required:-National Insurance Number- Name, Date of Birth and FullAddress with PostcodeYou need to be at least 16 to be able to apply for your own card or for your family members. You can apply for cards for your spouse and up to four children free of cost. For applicants under the age of 16, the NHS number of the parent/guardian will have to be entered.2.

Renewal of the EHICIn order to renew an EHIC card please use the application form provided. If you do not have your EHIC renewal PIN please submit your renewal without it as it is optional and not mandatory to submit it with a renewal application.3. Application for a CardIn case your card has been stolen or lost, you will need to apply for a replacement card. You can apply with us using our organisation's application forwarding service for a service charge of £23.50. We will ensure accuracy of the application and forward it to the NHSBSA for you.4. Name ChangeIf you have been recently married, divorced or decided to change your name for whatever reason you can simply apply at our website using your new name. A private travel insurance policy is an imperative for any traveller.

A number of insurance agencies insist that the traveller be holding an EHIC to be fully covered and must be checked with the concerned agency beforehand.EHIC can only be used to cover at state-provided healthcare institutions and does not substitute for private travel insurance. It will not cover any bills incurred at private healthcare institutions, monetary loss and theft, or unexpected expenses, among other things.EHIC card can only be used during regular travel. For medical travellers, EHIC does not offer any coverage.EHIC has to be renewed up to every 5 years after which it will expire and cannot be used. It is essential to check the expiry every time before you plan your travel.The EHIC can only be used in European Economic Area and Switzerland.

For health insurance outside the above mentioned area, private medical insurance may be applied for.EHIC can be obtained by citizens of the UK and can be used within the EU only.EHIC covers for an individual only. For families travelling together, a card for each member will be required to cover for them.A number of insurance companies offer substantial reductions with claims where EHIC is used. You should inquire about the same from your insurance provider.Europe Ehic Services is not connected to or affiliated with the NHSBSA, the National Health Service, or any other official Government body. We offer a audit and submission service for European Health Insurance Card applications for a processing fee. Please note that you can apply independently and at no cost for a free ehic card by visiting the official government website www.gov.uk or through the automated EHIC application service on 03. Please read our Terms of Service before using our website.Always remember to check travel warnings before you travel and get advice in relation to where your traveling to.

You can always visit our Blog for all of the latest information, travel advice, travel alerts and warnings before you travel. You can always apply through our website directly for an EHIC using our provided form.