EHIC Card: Its Use and Limitations in Neighboring Countries

European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) – What You Need to Know

What is EHIC?

• Part of the German statutory health insurance card (GKV)

• Provides access to medically necessary care in EHIC countries

• Purpose: protection during temporary travel, not medical tourism

Countries Covered

• EU: France, Belgium, Netherlands, Austria, Poland, Denmark, etc.

• EEA: Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein

• Switzerland (special agreement)

• Not covered: UK (post-Brexit), Turkey, Ukraine, non-EU Balkans, Arab countries

Coverage

• Included: emergencies, accidents, acute illnesses, pregnancy complications

• Excluded: private doctors, private hospitals, single rooms, medical repatriation, planned treatments

Costs

• Co-payments may apply, same as locals

• Sometimes upfront payment required, reimbursed by German Krankenkasse

Proper Use

• Present EHIC at registration

• Request treatment under public system

• Keep all medical documents and invoices

• Contact German Krankenkasse if issues arise

Limitations

• Stays longer than 6 weeks

• Planned medical treatments

• Medical repatriation to Germany

• Temporary residence for work/study → extended coverage needed

Alternative: Travel Health Insurance

• Providers: HanseMerkur, Allianz

• Covers repatriation, private care, expensive drugs

• Recommended even with EHIC

Examples

• France: Yes, but co-payment (Ticket modérateur)

• Netherlands: Yes, must register in public system

• Austria: Yes, extra insurance certificate recommended

• Poland: Yes, usually full coverage

• Switzerland: Yes, via special agreement, co-pay may apply