EHIC – European Health Insurance Card
The EHIC, European Health Insurance Card allows anyone who is insured by or covered by a statutory social security scheme of EEA countries and Switzerland, to receive medical treatment in another member state free or at a reduced cost, when treatment becomes necessary during their visit, for example, due to illness or an accident. The term of validity of the EHIC varies depending on the issuing country.
The intention of the scheme is to allow people to continue their stay in a country without having to return home for medical care. Therefore, it does not cover people who have visited a country for the purpose of obtaining medical care, nor does it non essential care, which can be delayed until the individual returns to his or her home country. The costs not covered by self-liability fees are paid by the issuing country, which is usually the country of residence. It only covers healthcare which is normally covered by a statutory health care system in the visited country, so it is not a replacement for travel insurance.