Over 33% of Maltese have their European health insurance card: have you?

Whether in another Member State for a business trip, short break or studying abroad, the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) can help save time, hassle and money if you fall ill or suffer an injury while abroad. To help holiday planning, here are some facts, figures and information on the European Health Insurance Card.

Over 188 million people in Europe now have an EHIC (or a replacement certificate), that is 3.2% more than in 2008, according to the most recent figures provided by Member States. This is around 37% of the total EU population. There are 138,000 Maltese with an EHIC – 33.7% of the population.

What is the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) and what happens if I have an accident or get ill when I'm in another Member State?

The European Health Insurance Card makes it easier for people from the European Union’s 27 Member States plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland to access healthcare services during temporary visits abroad.

The card ensures that citizens will get the same access to public sector healthcare (e.g. a doctor, a pharmacy or a hospital) as nationals of the country they are visiting. If they have to receive treatment in a country that charges for healthcare, they will be reimbursed as soon as possible, or after returning home. The idea is that people are given the care they need to continue their stay. Planned treatment is not covered by the European Health Insurance Card, but requires previous authorisation.

Can I apply for a European Health Insurance Card?

To be eligible for a card, you must be insured by or covered by a state social security system in any country of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland. Each separate member of a family travelling should have their own card.

How do I apply for a European Health Insurance Card?

Each country is responsible for producing and distributing the card on its own territory. So, to get a card, you must contact your local health authority. In most countries, there are several ways to apply for an EHIC: in person, by e-mail, by letter, by fax, by phone or online. In some countries (SE, NO, SL), applications for an EHIC can also be submitted through a text messaging system (SMS). The UK has introduced an automated voice recognition system on the application telephone lines. In Austria, the Czech Republic, Italy and Switzerland, the EHIC is issued automatically to all people insured. The card is free.

Find national information and contacts at: http://ec.europa.eu/social/main.jsp?catId=566&langId=en

How long does it take to get a European Health Insurance Card?

The delay for receiving a card varies from one country to another. In some countries, in the case of an in-person application the card will be issued immediately (BE, CY, ES, LT, HU, IS). In other countries, it can take up to 4 weeks.

What happens if I forget my card or I don't receive it in time?

If the need arises, you will still receive the treatment necessary to enable you to continue your holiday without having to return home for treatment. But the card will make it easier for you to access free medical care on the spot, when available, or for you to be reimbursed if you have to pay up front. You can also ask your local authority for a provisional replacement certificate if the card is not available on time. If you are abroad, you may ask for a provisional replacement certificate to be faxed to you.

More information on the European Health Insurance Card is available at: http://ehic.europa.eu