Ukrainians are explained why they should not travel abroad without checking their insurance card

The Czech medical insurance card does not guarantee coverage for treatment during a trip to another country. Ukrainians with temporary protection should clarify before departure whether they have the right to the European Health Insurance Card EHIC and where it is applicable. This is reported by Czechia Online.

EHIC for Ukrainians in the Czech Republic: what card to take on a trip

EHIC, European Health Insurance Card, confirms the right to medically necessary assistance during a temporary stay in another country. It usually has the appropriate name, blue European design, and EU flag. However, color alone does not guarantee; the name of the document, its validity period, and the status of the insured person are important.

Ukrainians with temporary protection in the Czech Republic can obtain a replacement document from the insurer for the insured person. It grants access to public healthcare in the Czech Republic, but it is not necessarily EHIC for foreign trips.

According to the European Commission, EHIC gives the right to necessary state medical assistance under the conditions that apply to insured residents of the host country. This means that any co-payments for prescriptions, examinations, or hospitalization, if provided for by local rules, will have to be paid out of pocket.

Before going on vacation, it is advisable to contact your insurance company to clarify whether the issued document is EHIC, until what date it is valid, and whether it is accepted in the chosen country.

Medical insurance abroad: what EHIC does not cover

The European card does not replace travel insurance. It does not cover treatment in private clinics, planned medical assistance, search and rescue operations, and transportation of the sick or injured back to the Czech Republic.

Medical transportation home after a serious injury or sudden illness can cost thousands of euros. Therefore, even holders of a valid EHIC should consider obtaining a separate policy for travel insurance covering treatment, repatriation, mountain activities, and civil liability.

For citizens of non-EU countries, separate restrictions apply. Ukrainians cannot automatically use EHIC in Denmark, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Exceptions depend on the person's status, so before traveling to these countries, individual verification of insurance is necessary.

If the plastic EHIC has not yet been issued or has been lost, the insurance company can issue a temporary paper confirmation that replaces it. This should be arranged before the trip.

It is worth noting that there are 4.4 million Ukrainians with temporary protection in Europe.