European Health Insurance Card (formerly E111)

What is it?

The European Health Insurance Card or EHIC (formerly the E111 form) allows the holder to access health care services when travelling to other EU or EEA countries. Anyone who is living in Ireland or intends to live here for a year can apply for an EHIC from the HSE. The Card does not cover the cost of treatment in a private setting. The Card does not entitle you to travel abroad with the aim of getting healthcare through the public system.

How does it work?

If you have a Medical Card or a DPS card, you can apply online here. You can use your Card to get necessary healthcare while on a temporary stay in all the countries of the European Economic Area, and in one other country, Switzerland. The European Economic Area includes the 25 member states of the European Union and three other countries.

EU Member States:

Austria
Belgium
Bulgaria
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Italy
Latvia
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Netherlands
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
UK (the Card is not essential for access to necessary healthcare in the UK – proof of residency in Ireland is sufficient)
Other EEA Member States:

Iceland
Liechtenstein
Normay

Other States:


Switzerland

If you have a smartphone, you can download a useful app that acts as aguide on how to use the European Health Insurance Card in the 27 EU countries, Iceland, Lichtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. It includes general information about the card, emergency phone numbers, covered treatments and costs, how to claim reimbursement and who to contact in case you have lost your card. Further information can be found here.

Is there a cost?

There is NO charge for the EHIC card and anyone asking for money IS NOT connected with the HSE.

Further information can be found here.

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