EHIC in 2026: what the card covers and when you still need insurance

The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is one of the most useful documents to carry on a temporary trip in Europe, but it is often mistaken for full travel insurance. It is not. This guide explains the practical difference and what to do if you need healthcare while travelling.

Where EHIC works

If you are insured under a statutory health system in an EU country, your national health insurer can issue an EHIC free of charge. The card gives access to medically necessary, state-provided healthcare during a temporary stay in the 27 EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

Treatment is provided under the same conditions and at the same cost as for people insured in the country you are visiting. That does not mean treatment is always free: national healthcare systems differ and local co-payments can still apply.

What EHIC covers

EHIC covers medically necessary state-provided treatment that cannot reasonably wait until you return home. Depending on the circumstances, this can include care related to an accident or sudden illness, chronic or pre-existing conditions, and pregnancy or unplanned childbirth.

For treatment that requires specialised arrangements, such as dialysis, oxygen therapy or chemotherapy, contact a suitable provider before travelling so the treatment can be arranged.

What EHIC does not cover

EHIC is not a substitute for travel insurance. In particular, it does not cover private healthcare, repatriation or a return flight home, lost or stolen property, and some risks such as mountain rescue. It also does not cover a trip whose purpose is to obtain planned medical treatment abroad.

This is why EHIC and travel insurance solve different problems: EHIC connects you to the public/statutory healthcare system under local rules, while travel insurance can cover additional travel and medical risks according to the policy.

If you need a doctor or hospital

Use a provider affiliated with the country's public or statutory healthcare system and show your EHIC. If you choose private healthcare, EHIC does not apply and you may have to pay the full private price.

In an emergency anywhere in the EU, call 112 free of charge.

Depending on the national system, you may still have to pay some or all of the bill upfront. Keep invoices, prescriptions and proof of payment. Reimbursement may be available either in the country you are visiting or through your insurer after you return home.

If you forgot or lost the card

Not having the physical EHIC does not mean you can be refused necessary treatment, but you may have to pay the full cost first and claim reimbursement later. If the card is unavailable, lost or stolen, your health insurance institution may be able to issue a Provisional Replacement Certificate.

Practical checklist before travelling

1. Check that your EHIC is still valid for the dates of your trip. 2. Carry the card or know how to obtain a replacement certificate through your insurer. 3. Check the official country-specific EHIC information for healthcare providers, charges and reimbursement rules at your destination. 4. Consider separate travel insurance for private care, repatriation, rescue, baggage and other risks EHIC does not cover. 5. If you need ongoing specialised treatment, arrange it with a provider before departure. 6. Keep medical documents and itemised receipts if you pay for treatment abroad.

EHIC rules concern access to healthcare during a temporary stay; they are different from the rules for moving your habitual residence or travelling specifically for planned treatment. For an individual case, check with your national health insurer and the official EU country guidance.