Everything you need to know about the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)

Whether on holiday or on a business trip abroad, no one is immune to health problems. Receiving medical care can unfortunately prove complex in some countries. That's why the European Health Insurance Card has been introduced. Beep Valet explains everything you need to know about this document.

What is the purpose of the European Health Insurance Card?

La European health insurance card (EHIC) is designed to simplify the provision of medical care during a temporary stay in a European country. It allows its holder to benefit from the services of a health professional and to access hospitals at the same prices as those insured in the host country.

The EHIC covers medically necessary care and treatment, avoiding the need for the insured person to return to France for treatment. It replaces the old forms. It is also valid regardless of the reason for the trip and the user's status (employee, unemployed, student, etc.). This document is used in the countries of the European Union, but also in Norway, Switzerland, Iceland and Liechtenstein.

There are two possible scenarios for the operation of the the European health insurance card. In the first case, the service is free. The insured person does not pay any charges, except for a possible co-payment. In the second case, there is a charge for the service and a claim for reimbursement must be made.

How do you obtain an EHIC before you travel?

To obtain a European health insurance cardIf you are travelling abroad, you must apply to your Caisse primaire d'assurance maladie (CPAM). The application must be made at least 15 days before departure. Note that this card is individual and nominative, which means that each person in a family must have one, even minors.

If departure is scheduled before the recommended 15-day period, it is possible to obtain a provisional certificate from the Caisse d'assurance maladie (health insurance fund). This document entitles you to the same rights as the EHIC, but is only valid for 3 months.

No specific documents are required for the establishment of aa European health insurance card. The request can be made in 3 different ways:

• by contacting 3646,
• through the multi-service terminals available at the Caisse d'assurance maladie,
• by submitting a request via the Ameli application.

Depending on your profile, you can also apply to the Mutualité sociale agricole (MSA) or the Mutualité fonction publique (MFP). Students can apply to the Mutuelle des étudiants or the Sécurité sociale étudiante.

You should therefore prepare several weeks in advance of your trip. To take things a step further, you can also consider other factors that will help you organise your stay.

For example, if you are going abroad to Bordeaux, you can find a car park near Mérignac for park your vehicle. This is particularly true of Beep Valet, which also offers a free shuttle service to take you to and from the terminal. All these preparations will enable you to set off on your journey with peace of mind.

Conditions for obtaining the European Health Insurance Card

Obtaininga European health insurance card is subject to one condition. You must be covered by the national social security system in a European Union country or in Norway, Switzerland, Iceland or Liechtenstein.

It is possible tohave an EHIC if you have a nationality other than that of the countries concerned. All you need to prove is that you are resident in a European Union country and registered with the social security system.

How do I use my EHIC?

When you're abroad, an illness or accident can happen very quickly. The EHIC allows you to benefit from the same healthcare conditions as nationals of the country you are visiting. It must be presented to the doctor or to the hospital. As mentioned above, you may be exempt from medical expenses.

You may find yourself in this kind of situation during a business trip. If you are prescribed time off work, it is still possible to obtain daily benefits. All you have to do is send the notice of sick leave to your CPAM within 48 hours. If the conditions for entitlement are met, you will receive your compensation.

La European health insurance card is a document that gives you easier access to healthcare in European countries. To obtain it, simply contact the number provided or use your Ameli account.