Can I get medical treatment abroad with the EHIC card?
Yes, but only for necessary care in the public system. The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC, in Poland EKUZ) confirms a right to necessary healthcare during a temporary stay (e.g. a holiday, business trip, studies) in EU/EFTA countries. Treatment is within the given country's public system and on the same terms as for people insured there — meaning many countries have co-payments that the EHIC doesn't cover. The card is issued free by the NFZ (online or at a branch) to people insured in Poland. The EHIC doesn't cover private treatment, the cost of medical transport home, or trips taken for the purpose of treatment. So for a trip it's worth buying private travel insurance, especially with treatment costs and assistance.
📋 The rules
- EHIC: a right to necessary care during a temporary stay
- Applies in EU/EFTA countries, in the public system
- Treatment on the country's terms (possible co-payments)
- Issued free by the NFZ to insured people
- Doesn't cover private treatment or transport home
🔓 Exceptions
- Planned treatment abroad: needs separate consent (EHIC isn't enough)
- Co-payments that apply to locals: not covered by the EHIC
- Medical transport home and private costs: only from commercial insurance
⚠️ Penalties & fines
The EHIC doesn't protect against all costs: if you use a private (not public) facility, you bear the full cost, and you'll pay the country's co-payments yourself. Trying to use the EHIC for planned treatment abroad will fail — that needs separate consent and a procedure. If you pay for a service that should be provided on the EHIC, you can seek a refund via the NFZ under coordination rules. To use care abroad safely: get an EHIC before the trip (free at the NFZ), use public facilities, keep receipts and documentation, and additionally buy private travel insurance with treatment costs, assistance and transport home, which the EHIC doesn't cover.
📎 Official sources
- NFZ · European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) →
- Gov.pl · Get an EHIC card →
- Your Europe · Healthcare in the EU →
❓ Frequently asked
What does the EHIC card give?
It confirms a right to necessary healthcare during a temporary stay in EU/EFTA countries — within the public system and on the same terms as for people insured in that country. So in case of sudden need you can get treatment without bearing the full costs.
Does the EHIC cover all treatment costs?
No. Treatment is on the given country's terms, where co-payments often apply that the EHIC doesn't cover. The card also doesn't cover treatment at private facilities, the cost of medical transport home, or trips taken for the purpose of treatment.
How do I get an EHIC card?
Free, from the National Health Fund — online (e.g. via the Patient's Internet Account or an electronic application) or at an NFZ branch. The card is issued to people insured in Poland. It's worth getting before each trip to EU/EFTA countries and checking its validity.
Is the EHIC enough for a trip abroad?
Often not. The EHIC provides only necessary care in the public system and doesn't cover co-payments, private treatment or transport home. So besides the EHIC it's worth buying private travel insurance with treatment costs, assistance and medical transport home.
Can I go abroad for treatment on the EHIC?
No. The EHIC concerns necessary care during a temporary stay, not planned treatment. Going abroad for treatment needs separate consent and a procedure (e.g. under the cross-border directive or NFZ consent), not the EHIC alone. It's worth asking the NFZ about the right path in advance.
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