What does an EU health card cover refers to European Health Insurance Card EHIC and new Global Health Insurance Card GHIC in UK, which gives access to state-provided healthcare when visiting other EU countries, EEA and Switzerland. The EU health card covers medically necessary state healthcare during temporary stay, such as emergency treatment, hospital stays, GP visits, specialist treatment for chronic conditions like dialysis and chemotherapy, and maternity care if birth happens unexpectedly. It covers treatment at public hospitals and clinics at same cost as locals, which may be free or require co-payment depending on country. For example, in France you may pay 20% co-payment, in Germany free, in Spain free for emergency. It does not cover private healthcare, planned treatment where you travel to get treatment, rescue and repatriation to home country, lost baggage, or travel insurance aspects like cancellation. It is not a substitute for travel insurance, because it does not cover ambulance to private hospital, mountain rescue, or medical repatriation which can cost $20,000 to $100,000. For Australians with dual EU citizenship, you can get EHIC from your EU country and use it in EU. UK GHIC works similarly after Brexit for UK citizens in EU. To get treatment, you show card at public provider and you are treated. It is free to obtain from your home health authority, and you should apply before travel. Always have travel insurance as well for full protection.
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