Apply for a European Health Insurance card In Ireland By Online
If you’re planning to visit one of the EU/EEA countries or Switzerland you must apply for a European Health Insurance Card (or Temporary Replacement Certificate) in advance of your trip.
You can apply online to get the European Health Insurance Card if you currently reside in Ireland and already possess a medical insurance card or Drugs Payment Scheme (DPS) card. Your application online will be forwarded to HSE Primary Care Reimbursement Service HSE Primary Care Re-imbursement Service) to be processed. Your Certificate or Card will be sent to you.
Alternatively, you can download a European Health Insurance Card application form here (http://www.hse.ie/eng/services/Find_a_Service/entitlements/EHIC/EHIC_Application_Form.pdf). If you’re seeking a Temporary Replacement Certificate and you are applying for a Temporary Replacement Certificate upon the form.
Fill out the form and return the completed form to your Local Health Office at least 1 month before your departure date. Ireland.
The application forms to apply for an European Health Insurance Card are also available at”Overseas Division” at Your Local Health Office.
If you reside in a different EU/EEA member state A different application form is required. You can apply online or download the form (http://www.hse.ie/eng/services/Find_a_Service/entitlements/EHIC/ehicotherstates.html) and email or post it.
Renewal of the expiring European Health Insurance Card
- The European Health Insurance Card can’t be renewed automatically once they expire. Instead, you need to apply to renew your card. When you are applying to renew your Card that is expired online, ensure you have your old Card on in your possession. If you’ve changed the address of your home or changed your name since the last time your Card was issued, you’ll have to call you Local Health Office. It is advised to apply early of the date you are planning to travel.
- Renew your European Health Insurance Card online here (http://www.ehic.ie/). Click from the Renew Current Card option at the top of the page. You’ll then be required to input the 10 digit ID code found on your card that expired. The number can be found on the reverse of your card located in the lower left-hand section. The next step is to confirm the address at where the Card will be sent. Following this, you’ll receive a confirmation message, to confirm that your renewal application was successful and your Card will be delivered.
Eligibility
You may be eligible to apply for a European Health Insurance Card from the Irish health authorities if you:
- Normally resident in Ireland and aren’t receiving an Social Insurance payment from another EU State, or paying for another EU State’s Social Insurance or not the sole dependent of such a person.
- You are a resident of an EU State and receive the Irish Social Insurance payment or paying Irish Social Insurance, or you are a dependent of this person.
Fees
There is no charge on an European Health Insurance Card or for the Temporary Replacement Certificate. The renewal of the European Health Insurance Card is also completely free.
Validity
Every European Health Insurance Card will remain valid until
Instructions
- You may apply for the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) when you reside in Ireland or are a resident of another EU/EEA State , and you’re linked with Ireland’s Irish Social Security System. If you reside in Ireland however you are connected to another EU/EEA state’s Social Security System, contact the health authorities of that country to find out more.
- If you’re a EU/EEA member and are traveling or are staying for a short period in a different country within the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland You are entitled to medical treatment in the event of illness or suffer an accident.
- If you’re a college pupil or seconded employee, or if you have the right to the social security pension in the state you live in, you are entitled to health insurance beyond the immediate treatment.
- The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) has replaced the E111 form as well as many other ‘E’-related forms, including the E128, which makes it simpler for you to access medical treatment swiftly and easily. It’s proof that you’re part of an insurance plan for health care that is administered by another state within the EEA/Switzerland region. To get healthcare using the Card, visit your closest doctor in the public system or public hospital or another public treatment center and present your Card.
- Health care systems for the public vary between countries Some countries cover the entire costs of health insurance for users of the Card. Therefore, there is a possibility of co-payment to cover the services you are provided.
- Presently the EEA is comprised of the 27 members that are part of the European Union together with Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein. The European Health Insurance Card is valid in any of these countries as well as within Switzerland.
Where can I get to use my European Health Insurance Card?
- In any country of the EU/EEA as well as in Switzerland. Click here to learn more about the locations where you can use your card and how to gain access to care outside of the country.
- If the country you’re traveling to isn’t mentioned, you are not able to utilize an European Health Insurance Card there and you must get private health insurance instead.
- Andorra and Monaco aren’t part in the EU (they are independent principalities). Since they aren’t members of the EU They are not legally bound by EU rules and regulations. Your European Health Insurance Card is not accepted in the country. It is advised to get private health insurance instead.
Can non-EU nationals apply or use the European Health Insurance Card?
On June 1, 2003, Regulation 859/2003 came into force across the EU. This means that non-EU citizens and their family members as well as relatives legally resident on the territory of one EU member state can apply for and utilize the European Health Insurance Card or Temporary Replacement Certificate when on short-term travel between states that are members.
Rules
- You are only able to apply for a European Health Insurance Card from the Irish health authorities if you:
- A resident of Ireland and not receiving Social Insurance payment from another EU State, or paying for another EU State’s Social Insurance or not the sole dependent of such a person.
- Residents of another EU State, and receive the Irish Social Insurance payment or paying Irish Social Insurance, or you are the parent of this person.
- Similar to the older E111 like the E111 card, like the old E111, European Health Insurance Card only gives you access to the health care system that is funded by the government within the country in which you reside. It won’t be able to cover the expenses that are involved in getting your from the country back Ireland.
- Each participant in the family group or the will need the card of each member.
- The European Health Insurance Card will be valid across all of EEA in addition to Switzerland for a maximum of 2 years.
- You can obtain an European Health Insurance Card in Ireland in the event that you are a regular living in Ireland.
- It is important to note that the European Health Insurance Card will not cover medical treatment in any other country that is not part of the EEA With the exception of Switzerland and Guadeloupe and Caribbean islands in Guadeloupe and Guadeloupe, which also accept the Cardsince they are considered a French dependent.
- It is not necessary to have to have a European Health Insurance Card to receive the necessary medical care traveling for a short time in the UK when the person you visit is an Irish resident. It’s enough to present the proof that you are a regular living in Ireland. (In the real world, evidence that you’re a regular resident in Ireland is a driving license, Irish passport or similar document.)
What is considered ‘necessary health insurance in the context of applying for the European Health Insurance Card?
The term “necessary” care was defined in resolution 194 from 2003 issued by the Administrative Commission on Social Security for Migrant Workers (pdf). The decision defines ‘necessary care’ as the benefits that are granted in order to stop the insured from having to return to their home state, and allowing them to extend their stay in another member state with secure medical conditions. The decision explicitly states that it doesn’t cover those that travel in Europe to seek treatment in a different country from the one where they are covered.
Do I have to renew my European Health Insurance Card?
- The Card you have will not be automatically renewed – instead you need to apply for renewal. Refer to the section titled “How to Apply” below for the steps.
- Be aware that if any of your personal details have changed (e.g. address, etc.) when your last health card was issued, you should make contact with the Local Health Office to have your information updated prior to the date of the renewal.
What happens if I don’t have my card before I go on vacation?
If you aren’t able to get an European Health Insurance Card for any reason, you are able to obtain a temporary Replacement Certificate. The Certificate grants you the same rights like the Card, however for a shorter time. The application can be made online to get this certificate, or via post or in person at the Local Health Office. (See the ‘Where to Apply’ below). One temporary replacement Certificate is issued for each person.
Utilizing an European Health Insurance Card in Ireland
There are over 2000 family doctors (GPs) located in Ireland who are part of for the European Health Insurance Card scheme. If you’re an EU/EEA resident who has an European Health Insurance Card (or equivalent) travelling to Ireland you are able to avail the essential services of a family doctor and urgent dental treatments for treatment of discomfort (and urgent repairs to dentures) in accordance with EU regulations. The emergency services available in Ireland can be accessed by calling 112 or 999, without cost.
The Information You Need
- First Name
- Surname
- Gender
- Date of Birth
- PPS number
- Address of the applicant/family
- Telephone number