An EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) allows you to get free or discounted medical treatment in any EU country, Iceland, Lichtenstein, Norway or Switzerland. The card is not an alternative to travel insurance and will not cover any private healthcare or costs such as being flown back to the UK.
To be eligible for a free EHIC you must either:
- Be a resident of the UK
- Have a valid S1 form if you’re a pensioner from another EU country
- Have a valid S2 form if you’re receiving healthcare in the UK through an entitlement to benefits
If you have an EHIC and need medical treatment while abroad, you should present your card at a state hospital or doctor's surgery. You may be asked to produce proof of identity such as your passport. In some countries, it's also necessary to show evidence that you're entitled to Medicare benefits in Australia.
If your EHIC doesn't cover all of your costs, for example, because you need private healthcare, then your travel insurance should step in. Your insurer will want to see proof that you tried to use your EHIC first though, so make sure you keep all receipts and any other documents.