Applying for a European Health Insurance Card

It is not difficult to apply for an EHIC or a European Health Insurance card. Getting this card is always a good idea even if you are not currently planning any traveling. The EHIC will only be issued if you make a request. You can make this request in person at the Territorial Health Insurance Funds through a representative, on the internet or via fax. You can find the application form at the websites of the Territorial Health Insurance Funds and the National Health Insurance Fund.

The EHIC is issued a maximum of fourteen days after you have made your request. The Territorial Health Insurance Fund you presented your request to will issue your card. The EHIC can only be issued to an authorized lawyer or the person who made the request. This is because a commitment must be signed by the cardholder to stop using the card once it has expired. You must present an identification document such as an identity card or passport for yourself and the identity card or passport for a child when applicable.

If your card is collected by another person, they must present:

• Their identity document
• The identity document of the individual the EHIC was issued to
• A power of attorney adhering to the Civil Code of the Republic of Lithuania’s terms and conditions

If the individual collecting the EHIC was included on the application form by the applicant, it is not necessary to obtain a power of attorney.

The Benefits of a European Health Insurance Card

The EHIC provides access for all medical treatments provided by the state during your visit due to either an accident or an illness. This includes any necessary treatments for pre-existing or chronic medical conditions during your stay. Arrangements must be made in advance for oxygen therapy or kidney dialysis. This is accomplished by contacting the country’s renal until prior to your trip.

You should be covered for routine maternity care during you stay by your EHIC. You need to obtain an E112 form if you are planning to travel to a specific country with the intent of having your baby. It is important to understand your European Health Insurance Card will provide you with access to either free medical treatment or a reduced cost treatment from the healthcare providers of the state. This enables you to receive the same treatments on the same basis as the country’s residents while you are visiting. In some cases, a co-payment or patient contribution will be required.

The Length of Time the Card is Valid

The EHIC card has a validity period between one month and six years. This is dependent on the compulsory health insurance category of the individual. The Law on Health Insurance determines this category. Once the validity period of your card has expired, a new EHIC card can be issued. You must first submit a new application to the Territorial Health Insurance Fund to receive your new card.