The European health insurance card
By Dr. Martin Schoelkopf
The Commission has proposed 1 June 2004 as the date for the introduction of this standard, personal card, intended to replace all current paper forms used by visitors in need of immediate medical treatment in another Member State. Initially it will replace the E111 form for short stays, such as holidays. The Commission has proposed that states that currently do not use cards may apply for a time extension of up to 18 months. In a second phase, the card will replace all other forms covering a temporary stay. In a third phase, the plan is that this identification will be a computer-readable electronic chip card.
The card will simplify procedures, but the rights and duties of EU citizens will remain unchanged. For example, the card will enable patients who pay for medical care when abroad to gain a swifter reimbursement from their own social insurance provider. The card will also offer other advantages, because EU law is gradually opening up more opportunities for EU citizens’ treatments during a temporary stay in another Member State. For example, Member States have already agreed, at a political level, that EU members visiting other states will be entitled to all required medical treatments, i.e. not only immediate requirements. The Commission’s proposal is to be presented at the spring summit of the European heads of state and government. Commission’s Communication details: http://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/de/com/cnc/
2003/com2003_0073de01.pdf.
30.04.2003
