The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for Residents of Den Haag
As a resident of Den Haag, with its international flair and proximity to Schiphol Airport, the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is an indispensable tool for temporary travel within EU countries or nations with reciprocal agreements. This card ensures that Hague residents receive access to medical care during short stays—whether for a weekend getaway or a conference in Brussels—as if they were locally insured. It minimizes unexpected expenses and is particularly useful for the many expats and travelers in our city.
What Is the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)?
The EHIC, also known as the European Health Insurance Card, is a chip card resembling a debit card that proves you have basic health insurance coverage through a Dutch insurer. For residents of Den Haag, this card covers healthcare in the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, and select countries such as Australia or Balkan states with bilateral agreements. The card is free of charge and has rendered the former E111 and E128 forms obsolete.
Note: The EHIC applies only to temporary visits, such as a city break to Paris or a family visit to Berlin, and does not cover emigration or long-term work abroad. For such cases, alternatives like the S1 form are required. It reimburses only urgent, medically necessary treatments that are locally standard but excludes repatriation or non-emergency dental care.
Legal Framework of the EHIC
The EHIC is based on Regulation (EC) No. 883/2004 of the European Parliament and Council, which coordinates social security for fair treatment within the EU. In the Netherlands, this is implemented through the Health Insurance Act (Zorgverzekeringswet, Zvw), particularly Articles 50 et seq., governing mandatory insurance and international rules. Residents of Den Haag with questions can seek free advice from the Juridisch Loket Den Haag.
Regulation (EC) No. 987/2009 outlines the practical implementation, including EHIC issuance. Outside the EU, agreements such as those with Switzerland apply. Thanks to these rules, your Dutch insurer covers the costs, which are later billed to the foreign provider—ideal for Den Haag’s mobile population.
How to Apply for the EHIC as a Hague Resident
Every resident of Den Haag with basic health insurance is eligible for the EHIC. Request it from your insurer; local providers in the city center often offer fast service. Steps:
- Call, use the app, or log in to your insurer’s website.
- Request the EHIC; no travel details are required, as it is universally valid.
- Receive the card for free by post within 5 business days; for urgent departures, print a temporary version online.
For children under 18 or the entire family, a single application suffices. The card is valid for 5 years—verify this before your trip. For clarification, the Juridisch Loket Den Haag (Laan van Wateringsveld 62) provides guidance.
Rights and Obligations with the EHIC
As a Hague resident, the EHIC entitles you to:
- Essential medical care: From hospital admissions to doctor visits and prescriptions, reimbursed as if you were a local.
- Equitable access: Including local waiting times, just like residents there.
- Cost handling: Direct billing by the provider or reimbursement by your Dutch insurer upon return.
Your obligations include:
- Always present the card; failure to do so may result in upfront payment.
- Use it only for temporary travel; misuse may lead to penalties from the Municipality of Den Haag or your insurer.
- Submit claims promptly upon return with receipts.
The EHIC does not cover private care or non-urgent procedures. For repatriation or routine dental visits, consider travel insurance.
Practical Examples of Using the EHIC
Scenario: You cycle in Den Haag and then travel to Italy for vacation, where you suffer an ankle sprain. With the EHIC, you visit a clinic without immediate payment; costs are billed to your Dutch policy. Or during a beach trip to Belgium with appendicitis: the surgery is covered as in the Netherlands, minus your €385 excess.
Post-Brexit, the EHIC applies in the UK under transitional rules, but verify updates. For a Hague road trip to the Balkans: in Slovenia (EU), it covers emergency care, but in Bosnia (non-EU), check additional documents.
Differences Between EHIC and Travel Insurance
The EHIC complements travel insurance but does not fully overlap. Comparison:
| Aspect | EHIC | Travel Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage | Emergency care in EU/EEA and treaty countries | Comprehensive: evacuation, baggage, trip cancellation |
| Costs | Free, with excess | Premium, often with no excess for medical claims |
| Validity | For short-term stays | For all trips, globally |
| Required? | Essential for EU trips from Den Haag | Optional for full coverage |
Travel insurance covers EHIC exceptions, such as emergency transport back to the HagaZiekenhuis.
Frequently Asked Questions About the EHIC
What if my EHIC expires during my trip?
Contact your insurer immediately for a digital replacement or emergency declaration. For disputes, seek assistance from the District Court of Den Haag, but first consult your policy.
Does the EHIC cover healthcare in Den Haag’s neighboring cities?
Yes, for short trips to Rotterdam or Leiden, the EHIC applies under EU rules, but your basic insurance suffices locally.