European health insurance card pays partial costs, depending on the country

The EHIC, which aims to save time and avoid hassles when an individual suffers an injury abroad, ensures that foreign visitors receive the same public sector healthcare treatment as citizens of the same country.

The card, valid in all 27 member states, as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland, does not cover planned treatment, and is not a substitute for private insurance.

The EHIC fails to cover costs incurred by ambulance trips, as well as costs involved with bringing persons over to Malta in the event of illness, injury or death.

Also, depending on the country in which an injury is sustained, people may need to pay an amount of the costs, referred to as co-payment. Such costs are subject to the rules of every individual member state, and are not refundable.

During 2009, 61,204 cards were issued by the entitlement unit. In the first six months of this year, 24,000 cards were issued.

The European Commission estimates 0.9 million euros in bills, for treatment issued up to 31 December 2007, that have not yet been submitted to the relevant member states.