topics
tools
Expatica countries
Index Last Var.(%)
BEL 20 2117.66 -0.08
DAX 6323.19 -0.26
IBEX 30 6401.2 -2.17
CAC 40 3042.97 -0.16
FTSE 100 5356.34 0.09
AEX 292.76 0.00
DJIA 12454.83 -0.60
Nasdaq 2837.53 -0.07
FTSE MIB 13057.26 -0.74
TSX Composite 11566.15 -0.09
ASX 4120.2 0.96
Hang seng 18800.99 0.47
Straits Times 2787.22 0.52
ISEQ 20 501.76 0.16
You are here: Home News Dutch News EU health insurance card eases holiday health care

Dutch News

archive
Enlarge font Decrease font Text size


19/08/2008EU health insurance card eases holiday health care

EU healthcare provides a card which makes it easier for holders to access medical assistance while holidaying in other EU states.

19 August 2008

BRUSSELS – Unknown to some, the European Union provides a health insurance card that makes it easier for holders to access medical assistance while on holiday.

According to the European Commission, the card guarantees emergency medical help in 31 European countries including all EU states as well as Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein.

The card is free of charge and is printed in the language of the issuing state. However, the card's design is uniform, making it possible to understand all the card's details even if medical personnel cannot read the language its printed in.

The card allows anyone who is insured at home to access medical assistance abroad in the same manner as a local person.

Medical costs will be paid in full or part by the cardholder's health insurance company. In some countries such as Belgium or France, the patient must pay for the costs and wait to be reimbursed when they return home.

Another important point is that the card is only valid for medical procedures performed in public health institutions and not in private clinics.

The card does not cover costs that would normally be paid for by a conventional holiday insurance.

Check with your health insurance company for details on how to apply for the card. In some countries the holiday insurance card is already on the reverse side of health cards with micro-chips.

The card was introduced in 2004 and 36 per cent of EU citizens possess one.

[dpa / Expatica]


0 reactions to this article

Be the first person to add a comment

General rating: Not rated yet

Rate article:    Add my rating



0 reactions to this article

Be the first person to add a comment
Discussion Forums

Relocating to the Netherlands

Taxation on Rental Apartments!

Housing in the Netherlands

Taxation on Rental Appartments?

Discuss Dutch Culture

High-quality fake passports, driver's licenses, ID

English in the Netherlands

Moved to Hengelo

Travel & Transport in the Netherlands

Buy fake passports, driver's licenses, identity cards

participate in the forums

Inside Expatica
Setting up home in the Netherlands

Setting up home in the Netherlands

A guide to telephone, internet and television along with utility services water, electricity and gas in the Netherlands.

Dutch immigration and residency regulations

Dutch immigration and residency regulations

Lost in the Dutch immigration system? Look no further than this guide compiled for our Survival Guide 2012.

A brief introduction to the Netherlands

A brief introduction to the Netherlands

Expatica offers a whistle-stop tour of life in the modern Netherlands.

Giving birth in the Netherlands

Giving birth in the Netherlands

The challenges and benefits of the maternity system in the Netherlands and how it differs to other countries.