Q.  I am travelling in Europe this summer. Am I entitled to use public healthcare in other EU countries if I fall ill?

23.06.08

If you are visiting certain European countries and you become ill or get injured, the European Health Insurance Card allows you to access public healthcare services. If you are going on a short stay to any EU country (plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland). Each person travelling will need a card. It is not required for a temporary visit to the UK if you can show that you are ordinarily resident in Ireland.

You should apply a month before travelling if possible. If there is not enough time to get the card before you travel, contact your Local Health Office to get a Temporary Replacement Certificate for each person travelling instead. You can apply for the card online at www.ehic.ie if you already have a medical card, GP visit card or a Drugs Payment Scheme card. Otherwise you can download an application form from this website or get it from your Local Health Office or Citizens Information.

You may also wish to consider taking out private travel insurance for some expenses that are not covered by the European Health Insurance Card. These may include the costs of repatriation home or the expenses of relatives who travel to you if you fall ill abroad.

Citizens Information: Buncrana 074 9363496; Carndonagh 074 9373741

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