What is a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) and how can I apply for one?

With the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) you can receive essential medical care if you become ill while on holiday in Europe.

The EHIC only entitles you to essential medical care during a temporary stay abroad. This does not include:

planned medical treatment abroad
treatment in a private clinic abroad
medical treatment on a cruise ship
repatriation

Countries where the EHIC is valid

The EHIC is valid in member states of the European Union (EU), Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

The EHIC is not valid in the country where you live.

How the EHIC works

If you receive medical care abroad, the foreign healthcare provider (e.g. a hospital) will ask to be reimbursed for the costs from your health insurer. On the basis of your policy and your excess, your insurer will determine what costs are covered and what you have to pay yourself.

The EHIC does not cover planned healthcare. Ask your health insurer whether and to what extent you are covered for planned healthcare abroad.

Applying for an EHIC

You live and work or study in the Netherlands

If you live and work or study in the Netherlands and you have Dutch health insurance, the back of your insurance card will usually be an EHIC. If that is not the case, apply for an EHIC from your Dutch health insurer.

You live abroad and work in the Netherlands

If you live abroad and work in the Netherlands, apply for an EHIC for yourself from your Dutch health insurer.

For family members insured on your plan you can apply for an EHIC from the CAK.

You live abroad and receive a Dutch pension or benefit

If you live abroad and receive a Dutch pension or benefit and you are registered with the CAK, you will automatically receive the EHIC from the CAK within 6 weeks after your registration. Family members insured on your plan will receive their own EHIC. This may take a little longer because the health insurer in your country of residence must first give approval.

Contact

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.