Q.  My daughter and I are planning a holiday in France and Switzerland this summer. Am I liable to pay for any medical costs if we get ill and I don’t take out insurance?

05.07.11

You and your daughter each need an individual European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). This card allows you to access public healthcare services if you become ill or get injured when visiting certain European countries. It doesn’t cover private treatment or the cost of repatriation to Ireland, if one of you becomes very ill.
The countries covered by the card are the 27 member states of the EU, plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. The card is not required for a visit to the UK if you can show that you are ordinarily resident in Ireland. In practice, this means a driving licence, passport or similar document.

You can apply online at www.ehic.ie if you already have a medical card, GP Visit Card or Drugs Payment Scheme card. Otherwise, you can download an application form from ehic.ie or get it from your Local Health Office or Citizens Information Centre. There is no charge for the EHIC card.

If you or other members of your family already have an EHIC card you should check the expiry date. If any of the cards has expired, you can apply online at www.ehic.ie to renew it. If a family member has changed name or address, they will need to contact their Local Health Office.

You should apply for the card a month before travelling, if possible. If you have concerns about getting a new or renewed card in time, you can get a Temporary Replacement Certificate from your Local Health Office. You should consider taking out private travel insurance for expenses that are not covered by Card.

Citizens Information: Buncrana 074 9363496; Carndonagh 074 9373741

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