European citizens who are travelling within the European Economic Area, (that is, the European Union, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein) and Switzerland, for private or professional reasons are entitled to a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which simplifies the procedure when receiving medical assistance during their stay in a member state.

The EHIC entitles the holder to the same treatment at the same cost as a national of that country. For example, if medical care is provided free of charge in the member state where treatment is required, the claimant will be entitled to free medical care on presentation of the card or an equivalent document.

Presentation of the EHIC guarantees reimbursement of the medical costs on the spot, or soon after returning home.

In the event of treatment being required, present the card at the earliest opportunity. The card is only valid for state provided services, not private hospitals or treatments.

The Card

The only personal information on the EHIC is the card holder's surname and first name, personal identification number and date of birth. The European health insurance card does not contain medical data.

The card contains the same information in all countries where it is issued.

• For examples of cards from all countries: Click here 

End of the E forms

The European Health Insurance Card replaces forms:

• E111 and E111B used by tourists
• E110 used by international road transporters
• E128 used by students and people working in a Member State other than their own
• E119 used by people registered as unemployed and seeking work in another Member State

The card will become electronic by 2008 to further simplify the system.

Note: The forms E111 (and others) have not been valid since 31 December 2005.

The EHIC in Portugal

The European Health Insurance Card (Cartão Europeu de Seguro de Doença – CESD) allows all legal residents of Portugal to benefit from emergency medical treatment and care when temporarily abroad. 

Note: this is not independent travel insurance.

Applying for an EHIC in Portugal

Application can be made at the local social security office (Centro Distrital de Segurança Social), or at the nearest Citizen's Shop (Loja do Cidadão). 

• To find a local Social Security Office: Click here
• To find a local Citizen's Shop: Click here

Portuguese residents using an EHIC card when out of the country must make sure that their card is valid. It is valid for one year and each member of a family, including children under 16, must have their own card. Further information is available from the local social security office.

Claiming in Portugal with a card issued elsewhere

The card cannot be used within Portugal unless it has been issued elsewhere in the EU.

Doctors and dentists: To benefit from treatment go to the nearest Health Centre (Centro de Saúde) and show a passport or EHIC card and ask to be treated under the EU arrangements. A standard fee will be charged that is non refundable. Under the state scheme in Portugal, dental treatment is limited and it is most likely that a non refundable fee will be charged.

Prescriptions: Medication is paid for in part by the patient (between 30 and 80 percent). Medicines prescribed for serious illnesses are free of charge.

Hospital treatment: Hospital treatment is free, however any secondary examinations such as X-rays and laboratory examinations will need to be paid for.

Further Information

• From the European Union website: Europa 
• European Commission FAQ on the health card
• Examples of all European countries cards: Click here

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