EHIC — Free Healthcare in EU Countries

Introduction / Who is it for

EHIC (European Health Insurance Card, EKUZ in Polish) confirms the right to free healthcare in EU countries, EEA, and Switzerland. The card is for anyone insured in the Polish NFZ — employee, pensioner, family member, student.

Where EHIC is valid

• All 27 EU countries
• EEA: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway
• Switzerland
• UK — YES (despite Brexit, due to mutual agreement)

NOT valid: USA, Canada, Australia, non-European countries.

What EHIC covers

Only necessary treatment in case of unexpected illness or accident:

• Visit to a general practitioner (GP, Hausarzt, fastlege)
• Emergency room / admission (ER, Notaufnahme)
• Hospitalization
• Prescription medications prescribed during treatment
• Maternity care (e.g., unexpected childbirth)
• Treatment of chronic diseases — YES, but only maintenance (dialysis, continuation of chemotherapy)

What EHIC does NOT cover

• Planned treatment (e.g., traveling to Germany for surgery)
• Medical transport to Poland (except in emergencies)
• Patient fees (in many countries, a co-payment is required, e.g., 10-20% of the visit)
• Dentistry (except for emergencies)
• Optician, glasses
• Repatriation of remains (in case of death abroad)

EHIC vs Travel Insurance

EHIC is NOT a substitute for travel insurance. Differences:

• EHIC: covers what the public healthcare system of the respective country provides — with patient participation (copay)
• Travel insurance: covers 100%, often includes transport, repatriation, planned treatment

It is best to have BOTH: EHIC for free + travel insurance (50-200 PLN/week).

Step by Step — How to Obtain

Option A: Online (fastest, 5 minutes)

1. Go to pacjent.gov.pl
2. Log in with a trusted profile or e-ID
3. Select "EHIC"
4. Fill out the application (purpose of travel, dates)
5. Select delivery: by mail or in person at the NFZ branch
6. EHIC by mail: 2-3 weeks; in person: 1 day

Option B: In Person at NFZ

1. Find the nearest NFZ branch: nfz.gov.pl
2. Fill out the application on-site
3. Identity card
4. Card ready in 1-3 days

Option C: e-Application via Bank

• Some banks (PKO, mBank, Santander) offer EHIC applications from online banking
• Fastest for those without a trusted profile

How Long is it Valid

• Employee, pensioner: 5 years
• Registered unemployed: 2 months
• Student: duration of studies, max 18 months
• Child under 18: with a legal guardian
• Dialysis patient: 5 years

Costs

EHIC is FREE.

How to Use Abroad

1. If necessary — go to a doctor, hospital, or pharmacy in the public system of the host country (not private!)
2. Show EHIC + passport
3. You may need to pay upfront — keep all receipts
4. Upon returning to Poland — submit a reimbursement request to NFZ (if you paid)

Where to Find the "Public System"

• Germany: "Kassenarzt" or hospital with a contract with Krankenkasse
• Italy: ASL (Azienda Sanitaria Locale) — public system
• Spain: Centro de Salud — public clinics
• France: Médecin conventionné — doctor in sector 1
• UK: GP NHS (not private clinic)
• Norway: Fastlege / Legevakt

What to Do in an Emergency Without EHIC

If you do not have EHIC and need assistance:

1. Go to the emergency room — they will help you regardless of documents
2. Pay the bill and keep everything
3. Upon returning to Poland — submit a reimbursement request to NFZ (original bills + translations)
4. Or apply for a Temporary Certificate Replacing EHIC at NFZ through the consulate

Common Mistakes

• Going to a private clinic instead of a public one (EHIC does not cover)
• Waiting to apply until the day of departure (in person can be done in 1 day, but online takes 2-3 weeks)
• Lack of travel insurance in addition to EHIC (EHIC does not cover repatriation, transport)
• Expired EHIC — it does not renew automatically
• Attempting to use EHIC in the USA / Canada (not valid outside Europe)
• Not keeping receipts when paying abroad (makes reimbursement from NFZ difficult)

EHIC for Children

A child under 18 receives EHIC based on the parent's insurance. Required:

• Child's PESEL
• Application from the legal guardian
• Card with the child's individual data (NOT the same as the parent's)