Are you planning to travel to an EU country? Get a European Health Insurance Card and travel insurance

The European Health Insurance Card, often abbreviated as EHIC, is an official document issued to all residents of the European Union, the European Economic Area (Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein) and Switzerland. The card guarantees that medical services will be provided when traveling abroad under the same conditions and at the same prices as local residents. The EHIC is a great way to reduce unexpected medical expenses and get essential medical care while traveling.

Traveling is a great way to see the world, but even during a well-planned vacation, unexpected situations such as injury or illness can arise. In such cases, the EHIC becomes extremely useful, as it ensures that you will receive emergency medical care without additional financial worries. With this card, you do not need to worry about having to pay large amounts out of pocket if you need medical care. In addition, using the EHIC is very simple - you just need to show the card at the reception of the medical facility or to the doctor.

The card's validity period is usually long - from one to five years, so you don't have to worry about reissuing it for each individual trip.

Using the EHIC allows you to receive a variety of emergency medical assistance while traveling - from calling an ambulance and providing first aid to hospital treatment. The card also allows you to use outpatient services in public medical institutions, including essential dental care in emergencies. It is important to note that these services are provided at the same price as residents of that country, so in some countries small surcharges or fees for prescription drugs may apply.

Despite its many advantages, the EHIC does not cover all possible travel risks. This card does not cover the costs of transportation back to Lithuania (repatriation) in the event of illness or injury. It is also not suitable for treatment costs in private medical institutions. In addition, the card does not protect against risks such as loss of luggage, civil liability, trip cancellation or costs of treatment outside the EU, so for example it is not valid in Turkey or Egypt.

Although the EHIC is a very useful and practical document, in most cases it is additionally recommended to have commercial travel insurance. Travel insurance provides broader protection: it covers medical services in both public and private medical institutions, can cover repatriation costs, provides assistance in your native language 24 hours a day, and also allows you to insure additional risks, such as lost luggage, extreme sports activities or trip cancellation.

It is best to use both products together – EHIC provides basic medical assistance when traveling within the EU, while travel insurance provides comprehensive protection against additional risks. This way, your trips will be safe and peaceful, allowing you to fully enjoy the pleasures of travel.