One of the greatest things about being a citizen of a nation in the European Union is that you have access to the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). This card allow holders to get medical treatment all through the EU as well as Switzerland. This treatment is required to be extended to EHIC holders just as it would be to any insurance card holder in the nation. This medical care is given at a reduced cost or in some cases even for free. For any citizen of the EU who does any amount of traveling, it is a smart idea to apply for an EHIC.
A Closer Look at the EHIC
The EHIC is valid for use in all of the European Economic Area (EEA) countries as well as Switzerland. The EEA includes all the countries of the EU as well as Norway, Lichtenstein and Iceland. While all these countries will offer treatment to any EHIC holder, there are some variations between countries.
Some countries will offer EHIC holders free healthcare. Others will give healthcare at a reduced cost to EHIC holders. The treatment to EHIC holders is expected to be given at the same cost and under the same conditions as people who are insured in that particular country. Some of the countries will expect EHIC holders to pay their bills at the time of treatment. In that case, the EHIC holder needs to hold on to the receipts for treatment and submit an application form for reimbursement to their home country’s health service.
Online Access
Fortunately, EHIC holders can do almost everything they need to do online. They can apply for reimbursement for EHIC charges before they are even home from their trips thanks to this online access. It is also possible to apply for a brand-new EHIC via the Internet. Existing EHIC holders can also go through and renew online.
Type of Treatment Available
The EHIC does not cover every medical contingency. The main point of its existence is to cover travelers who suffer from illness or accident when they are outside of their home countries. It cannot be used for cosmetic or other voluntary types of treatment. It will cover cardholders’ pre-existing conditions.
People Who Are Eligible for the EHIC
Any citizen of the EEA or Switzerland is automatically eligible to apply for a free EHIC. Spouses can also apply for cards for their partners. In addition, parents can apply for EHIC’s for their children up to the age of 16 or their children up to the age of 19 if they are full-time students.
Because it is free, it makes sense for every person eligible for the EHIC to apply for it. Even if you do not plan on doing any traveling outside of your country, take advantage of this free benefit of living inside the EEA. It is so easy to apply online for the card. You never know when something will force you to travel outside your own country, and having an EHIC will help to give you peace of mind while you are traveling.
