European Health Insurance Card provides essential medical coverage for travelers

The European Commission and health authorities emphasize the importance of the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for travelers seeking necessary medical care abroad. The card provides access to essential and urgent medical services, including treatment for chronic conditions and pregnancy care, under the same conditions and costs as local residents in participating countries.

Valid regions include all European Union member states, as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. However, the EHIC is not a substitute for travel insurance, as it does not cover private healthcare costs or planned medical treatments.

For travelers who forget their card or find it has expired, a replacement certificate can be obtained quickly online, even while abroad. In Lithuania, the State Health Insurance Fund has already issued nearly 23,000 such certificates this year to facilitate continuous medical coverage for citizens traveling during the summer season.