European Health Insurance Card (EIHC)

Launched June 2004, the "Health Card" is for EU residents to use to access medical resourses when travelling outside of their EU country of residence.

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

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 Belgium

The European Health Insurance Card (La carte européenne d'assurance maladie (CEAM)/ Europese ziekteverzekeringskaart) allows all legal residents of Belgium to benefit from emergency medical treatment and care when temporarily abroad.

Note: this is not independent travel insurance.

Applying for an EHIC in Belgium

Application can be made at the local Sickness Funds Office (Mutualité/Ziekenfonds).

Belgian residents using an EHIC card when out of the country must make sure that their card is valid. It is valid for two years and each member of a family, including children under 16, must have their own card. Further information is available from the local social security office.

Claiming in Belgium with a card issued elsewhere

A card cannot be used within Belgium unless it has been issued elsewhere in the EU. Reimbursements are handled by the Sickness Funds Offices (Mutualité/Ziekenfonds).

Doctors and dentists: To benefit from treatment it will be necessary to pay a fee. It is then possible to claim back 75 percent of the costs. To claim money back a receipt on the official form is necessary (attestation de soins donnés/Getuigschrift voor verstrekte hulp).

Prescriptions: Medication is paid for by the patient and is reimbursed at 75 percent, the prescription must be stamped and a receipt must be provided.

Hospital treatment: Patients will have to pay part of the costs.