The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) lets you get healthcare abroad for free, or at a reduced cost, if you're:
- on holiday
- on a short-term stay of no more than 3 months
- studying abroad - you'll be covered for the academic year
Countries that accept an EHIC
You can use an EHIC in the EU, the EEA and Switzerland.
The EU countries are Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden.
The EEA countries are Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway.
How to apply if you live in Ireland
You can apply for an EHIC if you’re living in Ireland and intend to live here for at least 1 year.
You can apply:
- in person - at any local health office except Dublin North West and Cork North & South Lee
- online - if you have a medical card or Drugs Payment Scheme card
- by post - if you live in Dublin North West, Cork North & South Lee
Important
Your card will be posted to you within 10 working days of applying. If you need an EHIC urgently, you can get a temporary replacement certificate in person at your local public EHIC office.
Apply as a family
Each family member needs their own EHIC.
You can apply for:
- yourself
- your partner
- any dependent children under the age of 16
A parent or guardian has to apply for any child under the age of 16.