How do I get a European Health Insurance Card?

by MarbellaFamilyFun.com
(Marbella)

The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is a personal and non-transferable document that certifies the holder's entitlement to receive any necessary medically-related health care benefits during their temporary stay in the territory of the European Economic Area (1) or Switzerland, taking into account the type of the benefits and the duration of the stay, in accordance with the law of the relevant country, regardless of whether the purpose of the stay is a holiday, a professional activity or for studying.

The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is not valid when the purpose of the trip is to receive medical treatment, in which case it is necessary for the National Social Security Institute (INSS), or the Social Marine Institute (ISM), to issue the corresponding form after receiving a favourable report from the Health Service. Neither will the document be valid if you change your residence to the territory of a different member State.

In certain cases, you will have to pay a fixed amount or percentage of the healthcare expenses, in line with the conditions applicable to residents in the State to which you are travelling. These amounts are not reimbursable.

Further information is available at the following Internet address: www.seg-social.es.