In which countries does the European Health Insurance Card (CEAM) work?

European Health Insurance Card: Where is it useful in Europe? Discover the countries where ECAM is valid.

The European health insurance card has an evocative name. You already have a first clue as to the territory on which you can use it! But a little precision will not be luxury. Does it work on the European continent or in the European Union? Find out everything you need to know about the CEAM before leaving on a trip.

ECA: for which countries?

Before going further to understand how the health insurance fund will accompany you during your trip, take a look at the countries in which you will be able to use your interim certificate.

The European Health Insurance Card is valid for a stay abroad in the countries of the European Union and therefore in the following countries:

• Germany;
• Austria;
• Belgium;
• Bulgaria;
• Cyprus;
• Croatia;
• Denmark;
• Spain;
• Estonia
• Finland;
• France;
• Greece;
• Hungary;
• Ireland;
• Italy;
• Latvia;
• Lithuania;
• Luxembourg;
• Malta;
• Netherlands;
• Poland;
• Portugal;
• Czech Republic;
• Romania;
• United Kingdom (during the transition period following Brexit until December 31, 2020;
• Slovakia;
• Slovenia;
• Sweden.

ECA is also valid in the countries of European Economic Area i.e.:

• Iceland;
• Liechtenstein;
• Norway.

Apply for a European Health Insurance Card

In order to benefit from the benefits of the European health insurance card, you must make your card request to the primary credit union at least 15 days before you leave. By caution, do not hesitate to anticipate if you know, well in advance, when you intend to leave.

If you decide to leave at the last moment, make an application despite everything, then you will receive a valid provisional certificate for 3 months.

The request is made:

• By internet on your account Ameli ;
• By phone at 3646 ;
• At the reception of your health insurance fund.

Good to know: ECAM is nominative. Each member of your family, regardless of age, must have a European card. No documents are required to obtain your ECAM.

How much does ECAM cost?

It’s very simple, the European health insurance card is free valid for 2 years . The renewal application to obtain a new card is made under the same conditions as for the first.

How is ECA working?

There again everything is very simple, it works the same way the Vital Card when you are in France. Present your ECAM to certify your health insurance rights, you will be supported by Social Security for your medical expenses.

What are the care provided?

ECAM provides access to urgent and unforeseen care . But it can also allow you to go on vacation for a short stay or longer trip during which you require a Recurrent support . This is the case for example if you are dialysis and this care cannot wait for your return to France.

Attention: Social Security support does not mean that you will be fully reimbursed. This is indeed the case in France. The primary health insurance fund will reimburse you on the basis of the rates in the host country.

So you will be taken care of according to the country legislation in which you travel, your rights may not be the same as in France. In some cases, you will need to advance medical expenses:

• If you have no ECAM or you have lost it;
• In case you have used private medicine;
• If you did not request the refund on site.

I lost my ECAM, what should I do?

When travelling abroad, you can at any time lose your papers or even get them stolen. In this case, no concern. You can contact Social Security by telephone at +33 811 70 3646 or you connect on your Ameli account to declare the loss or theft of your European card.

However, you will be led to do advance of costs , a refund will be made then.

I didn't use my European card: what reimbursement?

Did you lose your European health insurance card? Was she stolen? Did you not make a request before you left or simply forgot to present it in the emergency? Again, there is no concern. Not to present ECAM does not mean that you will not be refunded. This simply means that you need to advance medical expenses.

Of course, it can be handicapping for your stay if you have to face an unexpected fee advance. If so, don’t hesitate to turn to your loved ones so that they can trouble you while waiting for your social security refund.

To get your famous and precious refund, think about keep all invoices paid. Also keep the proof of payment and complete the cerfa S3125 form dedicated to care received abroad. This form is available here .

This has nothing very exciting, but, you will see it, everything is perfectly indicated. And if you have any doubt, contact Social Security by phone. A poorly completed document could only delay the reimbursement of care.

Good to know: reimbursement of medical expenses is calculated rates in force in the country in which you stay. However, on Form S3125, you are offered to choose between these rates and the Social Security scale. If the latter seems more favorable to you, do not hesitate to choose this option.

Can I be repatriated with my European health insurance card?

ECAM is a card that allows for care. In no case will it allow you to be repatriated to your country of residence. Be aware that the European Health Insurance Card is simply an extension of your rights in the EU and EEA countries.

Subscribing travel insurance

To be perfectly assured in addition to your social security rights, it is advised subscribing a specific travel insurance and a support contract is what is recommended on the Ameli site.

During a professional trip or if you go on vacation, you are not immune to an accident. If you need care, the health insurance fund will accompany you. But if you need a medical repatriation, this time your travel insurance takes place.

How to get an insurance and assistance contract? You just need to contact an insurance organization , d indicate the country of stay as long as you are asked and indicate your dates travel to determine the validity of this insurance if you only leave for a short stay.

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