European Health Insurance Card (EIHC)

Information on the EU health card, how it works and the E-Forms it replaces.

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 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

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 the Netherlands

The European Health Insurance Card (Europese gezondheidskaart) allows all legal residents of the Netherlands to benefit from emergency medical treatment and care when temporarily abroad.

Note: this is not independent travel insurance.

Applying for an EHIC in the Netherlands

Application can be made to a person's primary health insurer (Basisverzekering zorgverzekeraar) or via the website of the Dutch EHIC, which distributes the card. Applications can be made on line, and the non-electronic card will be posted within four working days.

To apply on line: Click here (in Dutch)

Dutch residents using an EHIC card when out of the country must make sure that their insurance is valid. It is valid for one year and each member of a family, including children under 16, must have their own card. Further information is available from an individual's local health insurer (zorgverzekeraar).

Claiming in the Netherlands

The card cannot be used within the Netherlands unless it has been issued elsewhere in the EU.

Doctors and dentists: make sure that the doctor providing treatment is a part of the health insurance scheme. Normally treatment is free, however, only children are eligible for state dental care in the Netherlands.

Prescriptions: While some medication is free to the patient, this is not the case for all: some medicines are paid for in part by the patient and yet others must be paid in full. These costs are not refundable.

Ambulances: If a doctor agrees that ambulance travel is essential then it is free to the patient. However, if not, it must be paid for.

Hospital treatment: A doctor will need to get authorisation from the insurer to give free treatment to a foreigner. Ideally, contact a doctor before being admitted to hospital, however, if that is not possible show the EHIC at the earliest opportunity so that the insurer can be contacted.