Health Care in Europe

The EHIC has replaced the old E111. From 1 January 2006, E111s are no longer valid. The quickest and easiest way to get an EHIC is to apply online.

Medical care while travelling within the EU

A European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) entitles you to reduced-cost, sometimes free, medical treatment that becomes necessary while you’re in a European Economic Area (EEA) country or Switzerland.

The EEA consists of the European Union (EU) countries plus Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. Switzerland applies the EHIC arrangements through an agreement with the EU. The EHIC is valid in:

 

Austria	Hungary	Poland
Belgium	Iceland	Portugal
Bulgaria	Ireland	Slovakia
Cyprus (but not Northern Cyprus)	Italy	Slovenia
Czech Republic	Latvia	Spain
Denmark	Liechtenstein	Sweden
Estonia	Lithuania	Switzerland
Finland	Luxembourg
France	Malta
Germany	Netherlands
Greece	Norway

Does the EHIC cover dental treatment?

Yes –about 75% of the cost will be refunded.

The procedure is the same as for obtaining other medical treatment: pay the dentist and get a feuille de maladie and a receipt. Take this to the Caisse Primaire d’Assurance-Maladie – and be prepared to queue all day!

Free, comprehensive medical advice (in English) is available on line at www.netdoctor.co.uk