European Health Insurance Card: no one would travel without it knowing how simply it is issued
People are surprised to learn that there is no need to wait for the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), until it ordered by them is produced, for the holders of which the necessary medical care is paid at public expense when visiting other European countries. This card is printed and delivered immediately not only in the capital, but also in the subdivisions of the Vilnius Territorial Health Insurance Fund (THIF) operating in the districts.
It is useful to have the EHIC when traveling or on a business trip to any country in the European Union, Liechtenstein, Iceland, Norway, Switzerland or the United Kingdom. After submitting it to the medical institutions of the mentioned countries the emergency medical treatment provided to the cardholders is paid in full or in part by health insurance funds. However, people often do not book the EHIC before the trip, thinking that they will have to fill in confusing documents and wait for the card to be made. In vain - the EHIC can be immediately printed and given to the person who arrived.
“There are a couple of convenient ways to order and get a European Health Insurance Card. One way is to order the card online or to send the application by e-mail or regular mail, to receive it on arrival at the local health insurance fund or by registered post. The other way is to submit an application and receive the printed card immediately upon arrival at the local health insurance fund, which usually takes just a few minutes. This service is provided in all branches of the Vilnius Territorial Health Insurance Fund in 11 municipalities. So, if a person did not get the card in advance and there is only one day left until the trip, there is still a possibility to get the card on time,” says Lina Vitkauskienė, Head of the Population Service Division of the Vilnius THIF.
According to the representative of the Vilnius THIF, when a EHIC is ordered in either way (electronically or upon arrival at the branch), they are immediately printed and issued in all branches of the Vilnius THIF - both in Vilnius (Ž. Liauksmino g. 6) and in representative offices in 10 other cities: Alytus, Druskininkai, In Elektrėnai, Lazdijai, Šalčininkai, Širvintos, Švenčionys, Trakai, Ukmergė, Varėna.
To make the issuance of an EHR even faster, i.e. not filling in the application at the branch, you can first order it by logging in securely at https://e.vlk.lt. In this way, you can also create and download a certificate to your phone that replaces the EHIC. Applications for issuance of an ESDC or certificate to be completed are also available on the website of health insurance funds.
Protecting your own health and the health of others is crucial during this period. Therefore, if a person can wait for the card for a few days and wants to receive it without going anywhere, in order to have as few contacts as possible, when filling in the application, he/she can choose to have the card sent by registered mail to the desired address in Lithuania. Both the card and its mailing are free.
It is possible to order and pick up an EHIC not only for yourself but also for your minor children. Your ID must be presented when picking up the card.
The patient fund reminds that the EHIC is only for people who are covered by compulsory health insurance. If the insurance expires, the card cannot be used, even if the person has one. Holders of EHICs shall be reimbursed only for emergency medical treatment provided by medical institutions belonging to the national system of those states in accordance with the legislation of the country visited.
Information of the Vilnius Territorial Health Insurance Fund
The NHIF invites you:
- Read the most important news on Facebook: https://goo.gl/ML8SqJ
- See recent pictures on Instagram: https://goo.gl/tXvpXr
- Watch comprehensive and funny videos on Youtube: https://goo.gl/BPBep2
- Follow exclusive infographics and more in Flickr: https://goo.gl/Hsyhq4
Your questions are welcome by email [email protected] or phone: local (8 5) 232 2222, international +370 5 232 222
Last updated: 25-09-2023
Related news:
Health budget in 2025: what benefits did we receive?
The right to be informed: what is important to know about reimbursable healthcare
Study reveals: a family doctor’s advice determines the decision to get checked
Unexpected ailments during the holidays: where to turn and what to know