Know your rights about the European Health Insurance Card with Citizen’s Information

In this week’s article, Citizen's Information tells holiday makers about their European insurance rights.

Question: I’ve just booked my summer holidays for this year and plan to travel around Europe with my partner and my 10 year old son. How do I make sure we have access to public healthcare while travelling?

Answer: Each member of your family will need a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). This card allows you to access public healthcare service in another EU or European Economic Area (EEA) state for free, or at a reduced cost. (The EHIC was formerly known as the E111 form).

All member states of the EU are covered by the card, along with Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.

The EHIC card is free of charge and you can make an application for yourself, your partner and any dependent children under the age of 16. You have two options to apply:

· If you already have a medical card or Drugs Payment Scheme card, you can apply online for your EHIC at ehic.ie

· Or, you can download an application form from ehic.ie or get one from your Local Health Office

· You need to provide your name, address, date of birth and Personal Public Service Number (PPSN)

If your EHIC has expired you can renew it online at ehic.ie. You will need your old EHIC number and your PPSN. If your details have changed (for example, your address) you will need to contact your local health ogfice to renew the card.

If you have concerns about getting a new or renewed card in time, you can get a Temporary Replacement Certificate, either online or from your local health office.

You may also wish to consider taking out private travel insurance for expenses not covered by the EHIC (such as the costs of repatriation or the expenses of relatives who travel to you if you fall ill abroad).