What you need to know about the European Health Insurance Card before going on vacation
As the holiday season approaches, many Romanians are preparing for trips to European Union member states. An essential document for any tourist is the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which provides basic medical protection during temporary stays abroad.
The European Health Insurance Card is recognized in all European Union countries, as well as in Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. It allows the holder to benefit from state medical services under the same conditions and at the same rates as the citizens of that country. Essentially, the document covers necessary medical treatments that cannot be postponed until returning to Romania.
It is important to note that this card is not a substitute for private travel insurance. The EHIC only covers services provided within the public health system and does not include costs for medical repatriation, mountain rescue, or treatments in private clinics. In many cases, patients must pay a portion of the cost of medical services, called a co-payment, which is not reimbursable through the card.
To obtain this card, Romanian citizens must be insured in the public health system and submit an application to the Health Insurance House to which they belong. The card is valid for two years from the date of issue, and it is recommended to request it at least a few weeks before departing on your trip.
In conclusion, although the European Health Insurance Card offers important security in the event of medical emergencies, experts recommend taking out private travel insurance for complete protection. Private insurance can cover additional unforeseen expenses, thus offering a more peaceful vacation for all Romanian tourists.