Press Release: 180 million Europeans will benefit from the EU Health Insurance Card this summer

As the summer holiday season got underway, the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) – now held by 180 million Europeans - celebrated its fifth birthday. Citizens from 31 European countries can use the card to get the medical care they need if they fall ill or have an accident in one of the participating countries (the EU, Norway, Liechtenstein, Iceland and Switzerland). Around 35% of Europeans now hold an EHIC, which simplifies procedures and cuts red tape for necessary medical treatment during a temporary stay abroad.