The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) allows you to access public healthcare in another EU/EEA state for free or at a reduced rate. You can use it when you are travelling abroad or when you are staying temporarily in another EU State.
You can only apply for a European Health Insurance Card:
If you live in Ireland but you are linked to another EU/EEA State's Social Security System, contact the health authorities in that country for more information.
If you live in Northern Ireland but are employed in Ireland, you can get an Irish-issued EHIC.
Frontier workers (or cross-border workers) can get an Irish-issued EHIC because they make social security contributions in Ireland. They must return home at least once a week to qualify.
Student dependants of frontier workers can get an Irish-issued EHIC. They must be aged 18 to 23 years, studying in the EU/EEA or Switzerland and have a completed School or College Details form (pdf).
If you live in the EU, EEA or Switzerland, you are entitled to an Irish-issued EHIC if any of the following apply.
If you are resident in another EU/EEA member state, you will need to complete a different application form online, by email or by post.
If you are not eligible for an Irish-issued EHIC, you should see if you are eligible for an EHIC in the country you are currently living in.
You can use your European Health Insurance Card in any European Union or European Economic Area (EEA) country and in Switzerland. Currently, the EEA comprises of the 27 member states of the European Union together with Iceland, Norway, and Liechtenstein.
As Andorra and Monaco are not part of the EU or EEA, your EHIC is not accepted there. You should get private health insurance instead.
If you are an Irish citizen, you have access to healthcare under the Common Travel Area while visiting the UK. However, other EU citizens should continue to use the EHIC, which is still accepted in the UK.
If you are travelling outside the EU/EEA, you should get private health insurance instead.
| What it covers | What it does not cover |
| Free or reduced cost public healthcare in any of the EU and EEA countries | Private healthcare |
| A temporary stay of up to 3 months | The cost to fly you back to Ireland |
| Pre-existing medical conditions | Ongoing or permanent healthcare |
| Routine maternity care – if you’re not going there to give birth | Medical expenses if your reason for going abroad is to have treatment |
| If you’re a student studying abroad, you’ll be covered for up to an academic year. |
In some EU member states you may have to make some payment towards the cost of the services you receive, just as people in that state do. You will not receive a re-fund for this or for private healthcare.
You may be able to get a refund if you had to pay because you did not have your EHIC card with you or because the healthcare providers charged you by mistake.
Apply for a refund by email. Send your receipts to E126.Refunds@hse.ie. Or email them to overseas.medservices@hse.ie if you live in Dublin, Wicklow or Kildare.
The HSE will send an E126 form to the health authorities in the other state to find out:
When the HSE receive the completed E126 form from the other state, the HSE can see if a refund is due or not. Further information is available on the HSE website.
If you don't have your European Health Insurance Card for any reason, you can get a Temporary Replacement Certificate. This Certificate gives you the same entitlement as the Card, but for a shorter period.
You can apply online for this Certificate, in-person or by post to your Local Health Office. You can only receive a Temporary Replacement Certificate for yourself.
You should consider it. Your EHIC just covers medical costs. Travel insurance can cover you for cancellation and lost or stolen luggage and extras like winter sports cover.
There is no fee for the European Health Insurance Card or a Temporary Replacement Certificate. Renewing a European Health Insurance Card is also free.
Before you travel, apply for an EHIC well in advance of your trip.
You will be asked for proof that you live in Ireland. Your card will be posted out to you within approximately 10 working days.
There are two steps:
You must apply to renew your Card as they are not reissued automatically when they expire. You will need your old EHIC number and your PPS number.
If you have changed your address or your name, you will need to contact your Local Health Office. You should apply well in advance of the date you plan to travel.
Apply to renew your European Health Insurance Card online.
If you have an EHIC and are visiting Ireland, you can:
You can call the emergency services on 999 or 112 free of charge.
Go to the HSE website for more information.