(EN) EHIC card
[divider sc_id="sc1381918095714"]separator[/divider] What is European Health Insurance Card? The European Health Insurance Card (or EHIC) is issued free of charge and allows anyone who is insured by or covered by a statutory social security scheme of the EU to receive medical treatment in another member state for free or at a reduced cost, if that treatment becomes necessary during their visit. It will cover you for treatment that is needed to allow you to continue your stay until your planned return. It also covers you for treatment of pre-existing medical conditions and for routine maternity care, as long as you're not going abroad to give birth.
I have travel insurance, why do I need EHIC? The EHIC is not an alternative to travel insurance. It will not cover any private medical healthcare or costs such as mountain rescue in ski resorts, being flown back to the UK, or lost or stolen property. Therefore, it is important to have both an EHIC and a valid private travel insurance policy. Some insurers now insist you hold an EHIC and many will waive the excess if you have one.
Where can I use EHIC? As previously mentioned, EHIC can be used in all EU countries with all contracting health care providers.
Who can apply for EHIC? All persons that have regular status of an insured person within mandatory health insurance scheme.
How do I get an EHIC for my child? You should apply for the EHIC card online or at the nearest CHIF regional office.
What is covered by the EHIC? EHIC covers all costs of urgent health care, for which a doctor at the respective medical institution abroad claims it cannot be postponed until your planned trip back home. Urgent health care also concerns chronic or preexisting diseases, if the aim of trip is not treatment itself (e.g. high blood pressure control), as well as healthcare provision concerning pregnancy and childbirth, as long as your stay abroad is not due to giving birth. Also, urgent healthcare services include dialysis, oxygen therapy, asthma treatments, however you should make an agreement with the healthcare facility of the country you will be traveling to.
What is not covered by the EHIC? EHIC is not an alternative to travel insurance and does not cover costs od planned treatement.
I lost status of the insured person with CHIF, can I still use EHIC? No, you have to return your EHIC promptly to CHIF.
Despite the EHIC I had to pay for healthcare services abroad, can I claim a refund? Yes, in case it was a matter of urgent healthcare service. Upon yur return to Croatia you should apply for a refund or reimbursement at the CHIF.
How do I use EHIC? Directly by contracting health care providers under the same conditions and at the same price as if you were insured in the state of residence. This means you may have to personaly bear the cost of healthcare provision (participation costs), in case the state of residence charges participation in health care costs.
What else is important? EHIC is not a travel insurance and does not cover expenses of healthcare serivces of the private health care providers. It also does not cover travel costs upon return to Croatia, after the occurence of the insured event.
Stolen or lost EHIC You should report the lost EHIC to the CHIF. In which case a replacement Certificate will be issued for you which will give you the same cover as an EHIC until you return home.
How do I apply for EHIC? By filling the online application form on the CHIF web site. Also, you can apply personally at the authorized CHIF office. You will be able to personally collect the card within 8 days after you have applied for EHIC.
How long is my EHIC valid? Normally EHIC is valid for a year.
I need to travel urgently and I do not have 8 days until my EHIC is issued, what do I do? Contact the nearest regional office of the CHIF where a replacement Certificate will be issued for you, giving you the same cover as EHIC while abroad.
