Can I use public healthcare in another EU country?
Yes, during a temporary stay, with the European Health Insurance Card. The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) lets you receive the necessary healthcare 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 citizens (i.e. in its public system; if there's a co-payment there, you pay it like a local). It's free and issued by Social Security. It doesn't cover private healthcare, repatriation, or trips made in order to receive treatment. For those, it's wise to have travel insurance 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 local citizens (public system)
- It's free; issued by Social Security
- Doesn't cover private care, repatriation or travelling to be treated
🔓 Exceptions
- If the destination has a public co-payment, you bear it like a resident
- Planned travel to receive treatment: needs prior authorisation (S2 form)
- Outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland: the EHIC isn't valid; you need insurance
⚠️ Penalties & fines
The EHIC carries no penalties: 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 later; and since it doesn't cover private care or repatriation, a serious emergency can be costly. So it's recommended to complement it with travel insurance. Request it in advance (it's free) through Social Security; it has a set validity and must be renewed. If it expires during the trip, there's a provisional replacement certificate.
📎 Official sources
- Social Security · European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) →
- Your Europe · Healthcare in the EU →
- Administración · European Health Insurance Card →
❓ Frequently asked
What does the European Health Insurance Card cover?
The necessary public healthcare during a temporary stay in the EU, EEA or Switzerland, on the same terms as that country's citizens. If there's a co-payment there, you pay it like a local. It doesn't cover private healthcare or repatriation.
How do I get the EHIC?
It's free and issued by Social Security. You can request it online at its e-office or at its offices, and it usually arrives by post. Request it before the trip, as it takes a few days, and check its validity date.
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 healthcare.
Do I need travel insurance if I have the EHIC?
It's strongly recommended. The EHIC doesn't cover private healthcare, repatriation or costs like rescue or early return. Travel insurance complements the card and covers what it leaves out, especially in serious emergencies.
And if I travel specifically to be treated abroad?
Then the EHIC isn't the route: 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 arises unexpectedly during the stay.
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