For all of us, the ideal holiday is one without worries. But since it's better to be safe than sorry, we urge you to get the European Disease Health Card (EDHC) if you want to travel.
With this card, you will be able to seek healthcare in any country within the European Union without having to travel back to Portugal should you fall ill or suffer an injury. Additionally, you are able to utilise it in Switzerland, Norway, the United Kingdom, Iceland, and Liechtenstein.
You can only access public or agreed-upon services with EDHC, though. You ought to have health insurance if you decide to check into a private unit. Next, we will assist you in resolving any questions you may have with this theme. Be mindful of this.
When is it appropriate to use EDHC?
The European Disease Health Card is a special type of card that is available for free throughout the European Union as well as the other five previously listed nations. Its purpose is to make it easier to identify the person who possesses it and the organisation that bears the financial burden of any necessary medical expenses.
As a result, you can use the card for medical services including consultations, emergencies, and even prescription drugs under the same terms as citizens of that nation. However, take note that you can only use it while visiting or working in this nation. In other words, you can't just go somewhere to get medical care.
As we have already shown, when it comes to private health facilities, it's best if you have health insurance because EDHC does not pay for costs incurred there.
Who is eligible to get an EHC card?
Those who legally reside in Portugal and fulfil one of the following requirements may obtain a European Health Card:
Social Security benefits (for employees, retirees, jobless people, and their families);
Subsystems of public health;
Gain from private health support networks;
Use social media (without being attached to a health or social security subsystem);
Register for optional social insurance;
Become a prominent worker overseas;
Be a retired person who used to work overseas and returned to Portugal.
Young people and children
Since each European Health Card is unique and needs to be ordered by each family member, children under the age of 18 should also order their cards.
How and where to ask?
Your EDHC can be ordered in person or online.
Online ordering
Enter your password and social security number (NISS) on the Direct Social Security website, or use the digital mobile key to access your profile. Next, the "Get European Card for Disease Insurance Card" and "disease" menus appear. In the end, select "Start Order" and adhere to the guidelines.
Alternatively, you can place an order by using the Close Social Security app. Just choose the "European disease insurance card" option and adhere to the prompts.
In-person purchase
You can visit a citizen store or a Social Security Care counter if you would rather make the request in person. If you reside in an archipelago, you can use the services provided by the IP-EM of the Madeira Social Security Institute and the Azores Social Security Institute.
Required paperwork
The application for a European health card doesn't involve a lot of paperwork or red tape. All you have to do is complete the European Disease Insurance Card Requirement form (EDHC), which may be found on the Social Security website, and bring your National Health Service Number.
How much time will it take to get the card?
This is normally a quick process. EDHC will normally be supplied to your address five to seven business days after the request is submitted. However, you can apply for a Provisional Substitution Certificate (PSC), which, as the name suggests, replaces the card for three months and ensures you the same rights, if you need to travel within ten days and haven't gotten it yet.
WARNING: If you are travelling and need medical attention but have left your European health card at home or misplaced it, you can request that social security forward your PSC to the hospital you find during this period.
How much does it cost to use EDHC to pay for medications and medical services abroad?
You will pay the same for medical care whether you receive it in any of the 27 member states of the European Union, Switzerland, Norway, the United Kingdom, Iceland, or Liechtenstein as if you were a resident of those countries.
Validity and renewal
The European Disease Health Card is valid for three years, although an extension may be granted if it would better serve their health sector.
You must renew the card using the steps outlined for your original request after this time, ideally in the 30 days before to the expiration date. If you must renew your card before its validity expires, you can do so by submitting an application and providing the entire card number.
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