EHIC Card Holders: Check If Your Card is Valid in Iceland!
Hello readers! Are you planning a trip to Iceland and wondering if your EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) is valid there? Then, you have landed at the right place to get clarity on this topic. In this article, we will discuss in detail whether your EHIC card is valid in Iceland or not. So, let’s dive in!
Contents
What is an EHIC card?
EHIC stands for European Health Insurance Card which is also known as the EHIC card. The EHIC card is issued to the citizen of the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland. EHIC cardholders can avail of medical treatment at a reduced cost or sometimes even for free if they fall sick or get injured while traveling to any of the EEA countries or Switzerland.
Is an EHIC card valid in Iceland?
Iceland is not a member of the European Union. However, it is a member of the EEA. As a result, EHIC cardholders can avail of medical treatment at a reduced cost or for free if they fall sick or get injured while traveling in Iceland.
It is important to note that if EHIC cardholders need medical treatment in Iceland, they should go to a public hospital or healthcare center that has an agreement with the Icelandic Health Insurance. They should present their EHIC card along with a valid photo ID to avail of the benefits of the card. The card is valid for the same treatment that Icelandic citizens are entitled to receive under the public healthcare system. However, the card does not cover private medical treatment or any other additional costs such as cruise ships or rescue services.
What if you don’t have an EHIC card?
If you don’t have an EHIC card and fall sick while traveling to Iceland, you will have to pay the full cost of medical treatment which can be significantly higher than the cost of treatment under the public healthcare system or government-approved healthcare center. Therefore, we recommend that you obtain an EHIC card before traveling to Iceland to avoid any adverse financial impact in case of any medical emergency.
How to apply for an EHIC card?
EHIC cards can be obtained free of cost by residents of EEA and Switzerland. The card can be applied online through the official website of the national health insurance authority of the country of residence. The card is usually issued within a few weeks and is valid for five years.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we can say that your EHIC card is valid in Iceland if you fall sick or get injured while traveling there. However, do keep in mind the terms and conditions discussed in this article to ensure smooth and hassle-free medical treatment. Remember to carry your EHIC card along with a valid photo ID and avail of treatment only at public hospitals or government-approved healthcare centers.
That’s all for now! We hope this article helped you to understand whether your EHIC card is valid in Iceland or not. Have a safe and happy journey!
