Published November 2, 2025
Is your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) about to expire? You're not alone. Every year, thousands of expats find out too late that their card lapsed—leaving them uncovered abroad. The good news: renewal is quick if you know when, where, and how to do it right.
The EHIC gives you access to medically necessary healthcare during temporary stays in EU/EEA countries or Switzerland. Common misconception: it doesn't make care free—you pay upfront at local rates, then get reimbursed according to the host country's system.
What it actually covers:
- Urgent or unexpected medical consultations
- Emergency hospitalizations
- Medications prescribed on-site
- Chronic care that becomes necessary during your stay
What it never covers:
- Medical evacuation (costs €15,000–50,000 without insurance)
- Pre-planned treatments (medical tourism)
- Non-urgent dental work
- Private facilities outside public networks
A French citizen hospitalized in Germany pays a €10 daily co-pay, just like Germans. A Spanish citizen in France pays nothing at public hospitals, just like the French. EHIC equalizes, it doesn't eliminate local rules.
For comprehensive information about your healthcare coverage in Europe, check our complete guide to expat healthcare.
The golden rule: 3 months ahead
Your EHIC is valid for two years, but processing times vary wildly:
- France (Ameli): 10–15 days average
- Germany: 2–3 weeks
- Spain: 2–4 weeks
- Italy: up to 6 weeks
If you live abroad, add international mail delays (5–10 extra days). During peak travel season (June–August), processing times double.
Typical scenario: You're flying to Greece on February 15, 2026. Your EHIC expires January 31. If you request renewal on January 25, it won't arrive in time. Result: you pay everything out of pocket and struggle with reimbursement after returning home.
Smart move: Calendar the expiration date minus 90 days. Set an automatic reminder. Renew as soon as possible.
> Real example: card expires January 31, 2026 → request renewal by November 1, 2025 at the latest. You'll have your new card before Christmas, stress-free.
France (Ameli):
1. Log in to your account at ameli.fr.
2. Go to 'Mes démarches' > 'Commander une carte européenne'.
3. Delivered in 15 days, free.
4. Sent to your registered French address.
Germany (Krankenkasse):
1. Contact your public insurance (AOK, TK, Barmer, etc.).
2. Often sent automatically with national insurance card.
3. Timeline: 2–3 weeks.
4. No fee.
Spain (Seguridad Social):
1. Log in at sede.seg-social.gob.es.
2. Authenticate via Cl@ve PIN or DNIe.
3. Select 'Tarjeta Sanitaria Europea'.
4. Received in 10–20 days.
UK (NHS):
- EHIC replaced by UK GHIC.
- Apply free at nhs.uk/ghic.
- Timeline: 10 working days.
Scenario 1: You keep your home country insurance (S1 form)
You're retired, posted, or working remotely for a home-country company. You remain affiliated with your original national insurance. In this case, order your EHIC from your home insurer's portal as usual.
Common problem: Your postal address is no longer in your home country. Solution: register a relative's address (parents, friend) on your account, or use a mail forwarding service.
Scenario 2: You're registered in the local system
You're employed by a German company, freelancing in Spain, or enrolled at an Italian university. Your EHIC will be issued by your new insurance provider (Krankenkasse, Seguridad Social, etc.).
Warning: During the transition period (changing affiliation), you risk a coverage gap. Get temporary travel insurance.
Costly mistake: Many expats assume their old EHIC remains valid after moving. Wrong. If you're no longer affiliated with the issuing system, the card is invalid—even if the expiration date hasn't passed.
Digital tip: Scan your EHIC front and back in high resolution. Store it on Google Drive, Dropbox, or your password manager (1Password, Bitwarden). In an emergency abroad, a smartphone is enough. Some hospitals even accept a photo of the card.
For details on registering with local healthcare systems, see our guide on European expat healthcare.
- Log in to your insurer's portal and request a duplicate.
- Meanwhile, download a temporary replacement certificate (valid 3 months, usable immediately).
- In Spain or Germany, request an emergency certificate from your local insurance office.
Smart move: Print two paper copies—one for your wallet, one for your luggage.
EHIC covers necessary care, not ancillary costs. Here are three winning combinations by profile:
For occasional travelers (< 3 months/year):
- EHIC (free)
- Standard travel insurance (€30–60/year) covering evacuation + cancellation
- Premium credit card (Visa Premier, Mastercard Gold) for assistance guarantee
For permanent expats:
- EHIC (free)
- International health insurance CFE, April, Allianz (€100–300/month depending on age)
- Mandatory local coverage in host country
For digital nomads:
- EHIC (free)
- International health insurance SafetyWing, WorldNomads (€40–80/month)
- Avoid USA/Canada/Switzerland without enhanced coverage (5-figure bills)
Real example: Emergency hospitalization in Austria for appendicitis. Total cost: €4,200. EHIC covers €3,360 (80%), private insurance covers remaining €840 + hospital deductible. Without insurance: you advance €4,200 and wait 3–6 months for partial reimbursement.
Little-known tip: Scan all your home-country prescriptions before traveling. If you fall ill in Poland, the local doctor can prescribe equivalents more easily. Some reimbursements are denied for lack of prior treatment proof.
How long is EHIC valid? Two years. Check the front of the card.
Where is it sent? Postal mail only.
Can I use it outside EU? No, only EU/EEA/Switzerland.
Is it valid for my children? Yes, request one card per child via parent account.
Julia discovers at the hospital that she forgot to renew her EHIC. Fortunately, she downloads a temporary certificate via Ameli in 5 minutes. Result: care reimbursed, stress avoided.
- Check expiration date.
- Request renewal 3 months early.
- Scan the card.
- Keep digital backup.
- Add supplementary insurance.
Renewing your EHIC isn't paperwork—it's peace of mind. A calendar reminder and one digital copy can save you hours of stress and unexpected bills.
For comprehensive management of all your administrative tasks abroad, also check our detailed EHIC guide and our article on finding a family doctor.
Yes, always free. Beware of fake websites charging for renewal.
Yes, by mail via your local insurer. Forms available on official portals.
For more practical insights on this topic, explore our related articles:
Conclusion: Renewing your EHIC isn't paperwork—it's peace of mind. A calendar reminder and one digital copy can save you hours of stress and unexpected bills.
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Jules Guerini is a European expat guide sharing practical, tested advice for navigating life abroad. From admin to housing to healthcare, he focuses on simple strategies that actually work. Contact: info@expatadminhub.com
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