European Health Insurance Card

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European Health Insurance Card

European citizens who are travelling within the European Economic Area, (i.e. 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. 

• Comprehensive, general information from the EU in English: Click here

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. 

The duration of validity of the card varies from country to country - find out about this when making an application. 

The EHIC in France

The EHIC (or Carte Européenne d'Assurance Maladie, CEAM in France) allows legal residents of France to benefit from emergency medical treatment and care when temporarily in a member country. 

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

Note: The forms E111 (and others) have not been valid since 31 December 2005. 

Applying for an EHIC (CEAM) in France

Anyone covered by the French social security system or a system is entitled to a CEAM/EHIC

The card is issued free after a request at the Caisses Primaires d'Assurance Maladie (CPAM) offices. Allow 15 days from application to issue. 

• It is a plastic, non-electronic card and is valid for a maximum of one year
• Each member of a family must have their own card, including children under sixteen
• This card cannot be used in France (unless the card is issued in another member state) and does not in any way replace the Carte Vitale and is not a method of payment

• For the Europa database of EHIC institutions: Click here  

British Residents of France

If a British national is a permanent resident of France (or on an E106) and paying into the French system, applications for the card must be made in France; the card will not be issued in Britain.

• The NHS website has useful information concerning healthcare for Britons travelling to or living in France: Click here 

Further Information

• From the European Union website: Europa 
• Travelling in the EEA and Switzerland from the UK Department of Health
• A country by country guide from the UK Department of Health