What if I need a doctor when I am travelling abroad?
With your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) you can receive any medically necessary health treatment under the same conditions and at the same cost as people insured in the country you are visiting.
The card is valid in any EU country, as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
You can get the card for free. Make sure you apply for it with your national health care provider well in advance of your departure.
What does the European Health Insurance Card cover?
The card covers any necessary, state-provided healthcare treatment that can't be postponed until you've returned from your stay abroad. Please keep in mind that the European Health Insurance Card:
- is not an alternative to travel insurance. It does not cover any private healthcare or costs such as a return flight to your home country or lost/stolen property
- does not cover your costs if you are travelling for the express purpose of obtaining medical treatment
- does not guarantee free services. As each country’s healthcare system is different, services that are free at home might come with a cost in another country
Useful practical information, country by country
If you would like to obtain useful contacts and costs of medical services in the country you are travelling to, check our page listing:
- emergency phone numbers
- treatments that are covered and their costs
- how to claim reimbursement
- who to contact in case you lose your card
The database covers 27 EU countries, Iceland, Lichtenstein, Norway, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. It is available in 24 languages.
Background
According to the latest available figures, there are around 253 million EHIC holders.
Details
- Publication date
- 2 July 2025