Can I get healthcare in another EU country?
Yes, during a temporary stay, with the European Health Insurance Card. The EHIC (TEAM) is on the back of the health card and lets you receive the medically necessary care during a temporary stay (tourism, study, work) in any European Union, European Economic Area (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway) or Switzerland country, on the same terms as that country's residents (so in the public system; if there's a co-payment there, you pay it like a local). It's free. It doesn't cover private healthcare, medical repatriation or trips made specifically to get treatment. For those, it's wise to have a travel policy that complements the EHIC.
📋 The rules
- The EHIC covers necessary care during a temporary stay
- Valid in the EU, the EEA and Switzerland
- On the same terms as residents (public system)
- It's free, on the back of the health card
- Doesn't cover private care, repatriation or trips to get treatment
🔓 Exceptions
- If the destination has a public co-payment, you pay it like a resident
- Planned treatment abroad: needs prior authorisation (S2 form)
- Outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland: the EHIC isn't valid; you need insurance
⚠️ Penalties & fines
The EHIC carries no sanctions: it's a right. The risk is travelling without it or relying solely on it: if you need care and don't carry it, you might have to pay upfront and claim a refund on return; and since it doesn't cover private care or repatriation, a serious emergency can be costly. So it's recommended to complement it with a travel policy. Request it in time (it's free) via the health card or your local health authority; it has an expiry and must be renewed. If it expires during the trip, there's a provisional replacement certificate.
📎 Official sources
- Ministry of Health · European Health Insurance Card (TEAM) →
- Revenue Agency · Health card →
- Your Europe · Healthcare in the EU →
❓ Frequently asked
What does the European Health Insurance Card cover?
The medically necessary care during a temporary stay in the EU, EEA or Switzerland, on the same terms as that country's residents. If there's a co-payment there, you pay it like a local. It doesn't cover private healthcare or medical repatriation.
How do I get the EHIC?
It's free and on the back of your health card. If you don't have it or it's expired, you can request it from your local health authority or via the Revenue Agency's channels. Check the expiry date before leaving and, if needed, request a new one.
Does the EHIC work outside Europe?
No. It's only valid in EU countries, the European Economic Area (Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway) and Switzerland. For trips to other countries you need travel insurance covering medical expenses.
Do I need insurance if I have the EHIC?
It's advisable. The EHIC doesn't cover private healthcare, medical repatriation or costs like rescue or early return. A travel policy complements the card and covers what it leaves out, especially in serious emergencies.
And if I go abroad specifically for treatment?
Then the EHIC isn't the right tool: to receive planned treatment in another EU country you need prior authorisation (the S2 form) from your health system. The EHIC only covers care that becomes necessary unexpectedly during the stay.
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