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06-12-2021

Health insurance funds: it is safer to have holidays abroad with the EHIC

Iliustracija

With the approach of the most beautiful holidays of the year and the winter holidays of schoolchildren, when they often go abroad to spend their time, the specialists of the health insurance funds urge not to forget the European Health Insurance Cards (EHIC). If ordered without delay, the cards will be produced on time, and travelers' holidays will not be spoiled by disruptions in the medical facilities of the host country, if necessary, the necessary medical assistance.

“Due to the pandemic, the number of issued EHICs naturally decreased due to the restriction of trips of Lithuanian residents abroad. If in 2018 232 thousand of them were issued, it was less than 90 thousand last year. Also, by December this year, only 95 thousand cards were issued to Lithuanian insureds covered by compulsory health insurance (CHI). However, as the holidays approach, when residents tend to go out to enjoy the New Year or enjoy winter entertainment during the holidays abroad, it is likely that the volume of EHIC issuance may increase,” says Neringa Šafranavičienė, Adviser to the International Affairs Division of the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) under the Ministry of Health.

EHIC is issued free of charge to Lithuanian residents insured under the CHI. It confirms the individual's right to receive essential medical care in the countries of the European Union, Liechtenstein, Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and the United Kingdom, the costs of which are reimbursed in full or in part by the health insurance funds. This means that Lithuanian insureds who have suffered an injury or an acute illness abroad, by presenting this card at a medical institution, can be sure that medical care will be provided in accordance with the amount and rates set in that country.

„Insured people who do not have an EHIC, who hurriedly ordered them, will still be able to get the cards before the planned trip. The EHIC is issued upon application to the Territorial Health Insurance Fund (THIF). It can be submitted in person or through an authorized person, by post, online and by email. If the application is submitted online or by mail, the card will be issued within 14 days. It is most convenient to order the EHIC by filling in the electronic application form. However, if there is not much time left before the planned trip, you will probably receive the EHIC by ordering it in person at the THIF. It is important to remember before going to the THIF to check on the website of health insurance funds whether it is necessary to register for the visit in advance,” advises N. Šafranavičienė.

As schoolchildren approach the winter holidays, when parents plan trips abroad with their children, it should also be borne in mind to book an EHIC for them as well. The application for a child under the age of 16 must be completed and submitted to the THIF by one of the parents or guardians. Cards issued to children are valid until the age of majority, and for adult pupils and students - for one academic year.

It is also important to have EHIC for people working abroad during the holidays, such as long-distance drivers. The card issued to employees is valid for up to 4 years. It is very important to understand that it is only valid for a person covered by CHI for the period stated on the card. If the insurance is terminated, the card becomes invalid and the person can no longer use it, even though the validity period specified in the EHIC has not expired.

It is important to know that Lithuanian travelers can receive the necessary medical care paid for by the Compulsory Health Insurance Fund only in those medical institutions that belong to the state health care system of the respective European country. These can be both public and private, so you should always find out if they accept an EHIC already before travel or by contacting a medical institution in a European country. 

It should be borne in mind that national funds do not reimburse patient premiums and treatment services that are not covered by public health insurance under the national legislation of the European country visited.

The NHIF invites you:

Your questions are welcome by email [email protected] or phone: local (8 5) 232 2222, international +370 5 232 222

Last updated: 17-01-2022

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