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Healthcare
HealthcareEditorially reviewed 02/09/2026
European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
Apply for a free EHIC for medically necessary healthcare during a temporary stay in covered European countries.
Usual time
Immediately at a kiosk or usually within 8 working days
Responsible institution
HZZO
How would you like to apply?
Documents and steps differ depending on how you apply.
At an HZZO regional office
You can apply in person and, at selected locations, use a self-service kiosk to issue the card immediately.
Online through eHZZO
You can submit the application through the e-Citizens system.
Required documents
Selected: 0 of 3
At an HZZO regional office
Online through eHZZO
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Steps
At an HZZO regional office
- 1
Check your insurance status
The card is issued only to a person properly registered for compulsory health insurance.
- 2
Apply at HZZO or use a self-service kiosk
At a regional office, submit the application or use an available kiosk to request immediate card issuance.
- 3
Collect the card
A kiosk can issue the card immediately, while an application submitted at an office is processed according to the instructions you receive.
- 4
Check the expiry date before travelling
Employees and pensioners receive it for three years, unemployed people for one year, and pupils and full-time students until the end of the school or academic year.
Online through eHZZO
- 1
Check your insurance status
The card is issued only to a person properly registered for compulsory health insurance.
- 2
Submit the application through eHZZO
In the electronic service, check your details, choose delivery and submit the application.
- 3
Collect the card or wait for delivery
When applying, choose collection at a regional office or delivery to your official address of residence or temporary residence.
- 4
Check the expiry date before travelling
Employees and pensioners receive it for three years, unemployed people for one year, and pupils and full-time students until the end of the school or academic year.
Prices and deadlines
| Procedure | Price | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
EHIC issuance The card is issued free of charge. | €0.00 | Immediately at a kiosk or usually within 8 working days |
Important notes
- An EHIC is not a substitute for travel insurance and does not cover planned treatment, private healthcare or the cost of returning home.
- The same rules and co-payments apply abroad as to that country's insured people.
- If you lose your insured status, you must return the card to HZZO.
Common mistakes
- Applying for the card just before travelling without checking the collection method.
- Assuming that the EHIC covers all treatment and transport costs.
- Not checking the card's expiry date before departure.
Institutions
Official sources
Information was editorially reviewed on 02/09/2026. Before applying, check the latest information on official websites.
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