Irish holidaymakers could run the risk of being turned away from hospitals when on holiday in Europe, if they don’t carry a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
Allianz Global Assistance is advising holidaymakers to apply for the free card or to apply for 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.
Roland Hesse, General Manager, Allianz Global Assistance Ireland offers this advice: “A recent survey in the UK identified one in three holidaymakers over there don’t carry an EHIC card, leaving them open to potentially large medical costs. We’d therefore urge all Irish holidaymakers travelling in the European Economic Area countries to ensure they have an EHIC card for each member of their family. The card is available from the HSE and is free to apply for, so we would ask the public to beware of any unofficial websites that look to charge for the application process.”
Hesse points out that travellers should also be aware that public healthcare systems vary from country to country with few paying the full cost of healthcare for holders of the Card. 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.
He added: “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. Travellers need to 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.”
Available to all Irish residents and applicable within the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, the EHIC is available to apply online
here, or at a Local Health Office. There should be no charge for the EHIC card.
A European Health Insurance Card is not necessary when on a temporary visit to the UK 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 includes 27 of the 28 member states of the European Union (Croatia is applying for EEA membership) and three other countries:
EU member states
