What is an Ehic card and does it work in France?
This free card allows you to receive medically necessary healthcare when visiting countries in the European Economic Area, Switzerland or the UK
If you still hold an in date UK issued Ehic, you can continue to use the card when you visit France
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An Ehic or European health insurance card is a free card that allows you to receive medically necessary healthcare when visiting European Economic Area (EEA) countries, Switzerland or the UK.
As an Ehic holder, you can get necessary state provided medical treatment the same as if you were a resident of the country you are visiting.
The treatment may be free of charge or else cost the same as a local resident would pay.
Ehics are designed to be used during temporary stays in another country.
They are personal to the cardholder and every family member must have their own card, including children aged under 16.
Holding an Ehic means you can receive urgent medical care in the country you are visiting without needing to return to home first before you can be treated.
What does an Ehic cover?
Ehics cover urgent medical treatment you may need during your stay as well as medically necessary care, such as for chronic or pre-existing health conditions.
Routine maternity care and childbirth are also included. In all these cases, you will be covered as long as you do not deliberately go abroad for any treatment.
EU residents visiting France with an Ehic
If you hold an Ehic issued by another EU/EEA country or Switzerland, your Ehic covers you when you visit France.
You will be eligible to receive state healthcare in the event you need it, based on the same conditions as a French resident would.
If you are planning to move to France to live, you can also use your Ehic for cover while you apply to join the French social security system.
Ehics do still work in France for UK visitors
British cards last five years and following Brexit, the UK now issues Ghics in place of standard Ehics.
If you still hold an in date UK issued Ehic, you can continue to use the card when you visit France until it expires.
Your Ehic is valid for health cover whilst you are in France on short stays up to 90 days in any 180 day period.
If you are British and own a second home in France, you can also continue to use your Ehic for cover while staying here.
Likewise, UK residents coming to France for up to six months on a temporary long stay visa will still be covered by an in date Ehic.
Once your Ehic expires, you will need to apply for a UK Ghic card to replace it.
UK S1 holders, early retirees and Ehic cover in France
If you are a Withdrawal Agreement beneficiary living in France and using an S1 for your healthcare cover, you can continue to use your UK Ehic when visiting other EEA countries.
Once it expires, you will need to apply for a new British Ehic which will be marked CRA (Citizens’ Rights Agreement).
British early retirees in France reliant on comprehensive private healthcare are not entitled to Ehics.
If you plan to travel outside France, make sure to check whether you will still be covered by your policy. You may need additional travel insurance if not.
An Ehic card will not cover all health expenses when visiting France
It is important to note that the UK only reimburses up to the usual French state reimbursement levels so you may have out-of-pocket expenses for ordinary healthcare.
Ehics also do not cover non-urgent medical treatment including dental care, plus rescue and repatriation costs.
To make sure you are covered for these, you would need to buy an additional travel or private health insurance policy.
