EHIC / GHIC
The EHIC/GHIC gives EU and UK citizens access to state healthcare in EU countries at local rates.
The EHIC/GHIC gives EU and UK citizens access to state healthcare in EU countries at local rates.
Also known as
European Health Insurance Card, Global Health Insurance Card, CEAM (Spain), Carte Européenne, TEAM (France)
Why travellers need to know
The EHIC (for EU citizens) and GHIC (for UK citizens post-Brexit) entitle you to state-provided healthcare in EU/EEA countries on the same terms as local residents. This means you pay local copayments, not tourist prices. It does not cover private healthcare, repatriation, or non-EU countries. It's a supplement to travel insurance, not a replacement. Apply online; it's free and takes 1-2 weeks to arrive.
Real-world example
You sprain your ankle hiking in Austria. At the local Krankenhaus (hospital), you show your EHIC at reception. You're treated identically to an Austrian patient: X-ray, consultation, ankle brace. You pay the same EUR 15 copayment an Austrian would. Without EHIC, you'd pay the full uninsured rate of EUR 300+ and claim it back from travel insurance.
Country-specific notes
🇫🇷 France
EHIC covers 70% of GP costs; you pay the rest
In France, EHIC gives you the same reimbursement as a French resident: 70% of the standard consultation fee. You pay the remaining 30% (ticket modérateur) as a copayment. Pharmacies also apply the EHIC discount to prescriptions.
You typically pay the full fee upfront and reclaim the EHIC portion afterwards via a feuille de soins form. Some GPs process EHIC directly if you ask.
🇪🇸 Spain
Full cover at public hospitals with no copayment
Spain provides free public healthcare to EHIC holders with no copayment for hospital or GP visits. Present your EHIC at any centro de salud (health centre) or hospital urgencias. Private healthcare is not covered.
🇨🇭 Switzerland
EHIC accepted but copayments are high
Switzerland accepts EHIC under bilateral agreements, but the Swiss healthcare system has high copayments (franchise). You'll pay more out-of-pocket than in most EU countries even with EHIC. Supplementary travel insurance is particularly important for Switzerland.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between EHIC and GHIC?
EHIC is for EU/EEA citizens travelling within the EU/EEA. GHIC is the post-Brexit replacement for UK citizens, providing the same rights in EU countries. Both are free, applied for online, and cover state-provided healthcare at local rates. Neither covers private treatment, repatriation, or non-EU countries.
Does EHIC replace travel insurance?
No. EHIC only covers state healthcare at local rates. It does not cover repatriation to your home country, private hospitals, dental treatment (in most countries), mountain rescue, or trip cancellation. Always carry travel insurance alongside your EHIC.
Store your EHIC/GHIC number and expiry date in Nomedic so it is instantly accessible when a hospital receptionist asks for it.