European Health Insurance Card (2024)

FAQs

Can an American get an EHIC? ›

People from non-EU countries who are legally residing in the EU and are covered by a state social security scheme are also eligible for a card. However, nationals from non-EU countries cannot use their EHIC for medical treatment in Denmark, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.

Carry your insurance card and a claim form if your policy covers you outside the United States. Medicare does not cover medical care when you travel the United States. Visit Medicare.gov for more information. Some health insurance companies pay for “customary and reasonable” hospital costs abroad.

The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) allows you to access public healthcare in another EU/EEA state for free or at a reduced rate. You can use it when you are travelling abroad or when you are staying temporarily in another EU State.

That means that the USA does not provide a Universal Healthcare System. In Europe, either through the application of one model or the other, the majority of countries offer Universal Healthcare. It might not always be free, but it will be affordable, according to your means.

U.S. health insurance plans typically do not cover regular and routine medical care required overseas. This means your health insurance won't pay for care if you need to visit a doctor for a prescription medicine, or if you need treatment for a condition that is not considered an emergency.

A lot of countries in Europe offer publicly funded health insurance. Taxation is the primary means to cover cost and everyone has the option for health care no matter what their situation. Depending on the country, social health care can cover part of or all of prescription medication.

Travelers are usually responsible for paying hospital and other medical expenses out of pocket at most destinations. Make sure you have a plan to get care overseas, in case you need it.

Special care if you become ill or injured while traveling

Contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for a list of local healthcare providers and medical facilities. If your illness is serious, consular officers can help you find medical assistance. If you want, they can inform your family and friends.

In Case of Medical Emergency

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please contact French Emergency Services. For life or death emergencies, dial 112 for immediate assistance.

The short answer: Yes. According to Medicare.gov, health care you get while traveling outside the U.S. isn't covered. There are a few rare exceptions.

Is healthcare free in Spain for tourists? ›

All EU and European Economic Area (EEA) nationals below retirement age who visit Spain for a short holiday are entitled to free or reduced-cost emergency medical healthcare and treatments at all Spanish public medical centres and hospitals on production of a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).

State healthcare in France is not always free. Treatment is on the same basis as for French citizens. A GHIC or EHIC is not an alternative to travel insurance.

While Italy does have universal healthcare, there are still private hospitals and clinics, and not every doctor visit is free, even for Italians. Whether you're an Italian citizen or not, though, you can get emergency care without paying upfront.

Travel insurance isn't required to visit Europe if you're an American citizen. However, some travelers are required to obtain a Schengen visa and medical travel insurance if they plan to visit any countries that are part of the Schengen Agreement, or stay in the area for more than 90 days.

you're living in the European Union (EU), Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein, and have been since before 1 January 2021 with a registered S1 form issued by the UK. you're living in the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein, since before 1 January 2021 with an A1 issued by the UK.

Is a GHIC the same as an EHIC? Pretty much. Although it's called the Global Health Insurance Card, it's only valid in Europe. The main difference is that you can only use the GHIC in EU countries.

The EHIC guarantees direct access to the public health system in the country you are visiting, with no need for prior application to the local health authority. When you show your EHIC, you will receive the same health services as if you were insured in the country you are visiting.