European citizens who are travelling within the European Economic Area, (that is, the European Union, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein) and Switzerland, for private or professional reasons are entitled to a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which simplifies the procedure when receiving unplanned medical assistance during their stay in a member state.

The EHIC entitles the holder to the same treatment at the same cost as a national of that country. For example, if medical care is provided free of charge in the member state where treatment is required, the claimant will be entitled to free medical care on presentation of the card or an equivalent document.

Presentation of the EHIC guarantees reimbursement of the medical costs on the spot, or soon after returning home.

In the event of treatment being required, present the card at the earliest opportunity. The card is only valid for state provided services, not private hospitals or treatments.

The Card

The only personal information on the EHIC is the card holder's surname and first name, personal identification number and date of birth. The European health insurance card does not contain medical data.

The card contains the same information in all countries where it is issued.

• For examples of cards from all countries: Click here 

Note: A new and improved electronic health card is currently (from 28 February 2007) being tested in locations throughout Germany. This card holds both administrative and health data of the insured as well as a photograph of the holder (except for children under 16 and people requiring constant medical attention). This card also acts as the European Health Insurance Card entitling holders to health care in other EU member states.

End of the E forms

The European Health Insurance Card replaces forms:

• E111 and E111B used by tourists
• E110 used by international road transporters
• E128 used by students and people working in a Member State other than their own
• E119 used by people registered as unemployed and seeking work in another Member State

The card will become electronic by 2008 to further simplify the system.

Note: The forms E111 (and others) have not been valid since 31 December 2005.

The EHIC in Germany

The European Health Insurance Card (Gesundheitskarte) allows all legal residents of Germany to benefit from emergency medical treatment and care when temporarily elsewhere in the EEA. 

Note: this is not independent travel insurance.

Applying for an EHIC in Germany 

Application can be made at the local health insurance fund (Krankenkasse). When receiving medical care in another member state, the German health insurance must reimburse the costs up to the amount that the patient would have paid for the same treatment in Germany.

German residents using an EHIC card when out of the country must make sure that their card is valid. It is valid for one year. Further advice and information is available from the local health insurance fund and also from the German Office for Health Insurance Abroad (Deutsche Verbindungsstelle Krankenversicherung-Ausland)

• At: Postfach 200 464, 53134 Bonn

Claiming in Germany with a card issued elsewhere

A card cannot be used within Germany unless it has been issued elsewhere in the EU. 

• Doctors and dentists: Patients will pay a small amount towards the cost of the consultation
• Prescriptions: Patients pay approximately ten percent towards the cost of the medicines
• Hospital treatment: Patients pay approximately ten percent towards the cost of hospital treatment

Further Information

• From the European Union website: Europa 
• European Commission FAQ on the health card
• Examples of all European countries cards: Click here

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