Holidaymakers urged to get EU health card before travelling

Irish people holidaying in mainland Europe risk being turned away from public hospitals if they do not carry a European Health Insurance Card.

A travel insurance provider is urging people to apply for the free card, or a replacement card if their previous card has expired.

The EHIC allows travellers who become ill or injured while on a temporary stay in the European Economic Area to receive treatment within the public system of that country.

Allianz Global Assistance, a travel insurance provider based in Sandyford, Co Dublin, issued the advice after a survey in Britain revealed that one in three travellers did not carry the card.

Allianz Global Assistance Ireland general manager, Roland Hesse, said the card — formerly the E111 form — is available free from the HSE.

However, people should steer clear of any unofficial websites that seek to charge for the application process.

Mr Hesse said travellers should also be aware that public healthcare systems vary from country to country and that only a few pay the full healthcare cost for card-holders.

“The EIHC Card does not cover the cost of repatriation either or any extra travel and accommodation costs as a result of illness or an emergency,” Mr Hesse said.

“We would also recommend holidaymakers book travel insurance, and at the right level, as falling ill or needing emergency support abroad can prove very costly,” he said. “Travellers should be aware of the risks they face, whether that’s delayed or cancelled flights, lost luggage or something more serious such as an accident or illness.

“Having adequate travel insurance cover provides financial support, as well as expert advice when it’s needed most,” he said.

A free EHIC app has been produced by the EU to help people contact health services in the country they are visiting on holidays.

A European Health Insurance Card is not necessary when on a temporary visit to Britain or Northern Ireland, as proof of being an ordinary resident in the Republic of Ireland (with a driving licence, passport or similar document) is sufficient to obtain medical care.

The European Economic Area where the card is accepted includes 27 of the 28 member states of the European Union (Croatia is applying for EEA membership) and three other countries.

The EU member states are: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and UK.

Other EEA member states: Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. Switzerland also accepts the EIHC.

* For more information visit www.ehic.ie