Almost 1,8 million Finns already have the European Health Insurance Card

Kela has already provided almost 1,8 million Finns with the European Health Insurance Card, or EHIC. According to Kela’s statistics, the number of cards has risen steadily from the 1,2 million issued by 2012.

All of those whose medical care costs Finland is responsible for are eligible for a . You can order the card free of charge from Kela. The card is personal, and an underage child must have their own card. The EHIC card does not replace the Kela card.

With the EHIC card, you can receive treatment in EU countries if you suddenly fall ill or are involved in an accident while residing temporarily, for example, on holiday in another EU or EEA country or in Switzerland. The card also entitles you to receive treatment for a chronic disorder, pregnancy or childbirth.

– By presenting the card you should obtain medically necessary treatment at the same cost and level as local residents. The cost of treatment and treatment procedures are determined in accordance with the national system of the country you are residing, explains counsellor Pia Blomqvist at the Contact Point for Cross-Border Healthcare.

The card can be used in the public healthcare system and hospitals that have signed the agreement. In case the treatment provider does not accept the card, you can apply for reimbursement retrospectively from Kela.

• See the statistics on cross-border healthcare (Slideshare)
• Read more about the 
• Watch a video: Always travel with your European Health Insurance Card (by the European Commission)