Need to know
Many people may not realise that they are entitled to an incredibly important health card that can save them a huge amount of money if they get sick or injured while travelling in the EU
Many people in Ireland might not realise they are entitled to a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) which allows them to access public healthcare in another EU/EEA state for free or at a reduced rate – here’s everything you need to know before your next holiday.
- Travellers are being warned to apply for the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before their next European holiday.
- The card allows you to access public healthcare in another EU/EEA state for free or at a reduced rate If you were to become unwell or get injured while in the qualifying countries. If you’re on holiday, a short-term stay of no more than 3 months, or studying abroad.
- On the HSE website, it notes that your card will be posted to you within 10 working days of applying.
- If you need an EHIC urgently, you can get a temporary replacement certificate in person at your local public EHIC office.
- While having a EHIC is very important, it should be noted that it’s not an alternative to travel insurance.
- It also does not cover any private healthcare or costs such as a return flight to your home country or lost/stolen property, it does not cover your costs if you are travelling for the express purpose of obtaining medical treatment, and it does not guarantee free services.
- Because each country has a different healthcare system, services that cost nothing in Ireland might not be free in another country.
- Each family member needs their own EHIC. You can apply for yourself, your partner and any dependent children under the age of 16
- See rules on who can apply and find out more information here.
Want to see more of the stories you love from RSVP ? To add RSVP as a preferred source of news on Google, simply click here
