The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for Delft Residents
The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) provides residents of Delft, like all Dutch citizens, access to medical care during short stays in EU countries or countries with agreements, as if they were locally insured. This card helps avoid unexpected expenses and is essential for Delft residents traveling for leisure or business, such as trips to nearby destinations via Rotterdam The Hague Airport.
What Is the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)?
The EHIC, also known as the European Health Insurance Card, is a chip card the size of a bank card proving you are insured through a Dutch health insurer. For Delft residents with basic insurance, it grants access to care in the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, and other countries like Australia or Balkan states with bilateral agreements. The card is free and replaces the former E111 and E128 forms.
Note: The EHIC applies only to temporary travel, such as weekend trips or conference visits, and not for emigration or long-term work abroad—for which options like the S1 form are available. It covers only urgent, medically necessary treatments provided locally, excluding repatriation to Delft or non-emergency dental care.
Legal Basis of the EHIC
The EHIC is governed by Regulation (EC) No. 883/2004 of the European Parliament and Council, which coordinates social security within the EU and ensures equal rights. In the Netherlands, this is embedded in the Dutch Health Insurance Act (Zorgverzekeringswet, Zvw), particularly Articles 50 et seq., which outline mandatory insurance and international rules. Delft residents can seek advice on these laws from the Juridisch Loket Delft for free.
Regulation (EC) No. 987/2009 details the practical implementation, including EHIC issuance. For non-EU countries like Switzerland, specific agreements apply. Thanks to these rules, your Dutch insurer covers costs, which are later reimbursed by local authorities—ideal for Delft residents frequently traveling across Europe.
How to Apply for the EHIC in Delft
As a Delft resident with basic health insurance, you automatically qualify for the EHIC. Applications are processed through your insurer, but you can also contact the Juridisch Loket Delft for assistance. Follow these steps:
- Call, use the app, or log in to your insurer’s website.
- Request the EHIC; no travel details are required, as the card is valid indefinitely.
- Receive it free of charge by post in Delft within 5 business days; in emergencies, print a temporary version from your insurer’s website.
For children under 18 or entire families, a single application often suffices. The card’s validity lasts 5 years, so check this before leaving Delft.
Rights and Obligations with the EHIC
As a Delft resident with an EHIC, you are entitled to:
- Emergency medical care: Including hospital admission, doctor consultations, or prescription medications covered locally.
- Equal access: You are subject to the same rules as local residents, including potential waiting times.
- Cost settlement: Providers bill local authorities directly, or you pay upfront and claim reimbursement from your Dutch insurer.
Your obligations include:
- Always present the card; failure to do so may result in advance payment.
- Use it only for temporary stays; misuse can lead to penalties from the Municipality of Delft or your insurer.
- Report promptly upon return and retain receipts for reimbursement.
The EHIC does not cover private treatments or non-essential care. For repatriation or routine dental visits, a travel insurance policy is recommended.
Practical Examples of EHIC Use
For instance, if a Delft cyclist breaks their arm during a bike trip in Belgium, the EHIC allows treatment at a local hospital without immediate costs—the insurer handles reimbursement. Or, during a TU Delft conference in Germany, an acute infection would be covered as in the Netherlands, including the €385 excess.
Post-Brexit, the EHIC remains valid in the UK under transitional rules, but verification is advised. For Balkan trips, the card covers emergency care in EU-member Croatia, but additional documentation is required for non-EU Serbia—consult the Juridisch Loket Delft beforehand.
Differences Between EHIC and Travel Insurance
The EHIC complements travel insurance but does not cover everything. Comparison:
| Aspect | EHIC | Travel Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage | Essential care in EU/EEA | Comprehensive: evacuation, baggage, trip cancellation |
| Costs | Free, with excess | Premium-based, often no excess for medical expenses |
| Validity | Short-term stays | All trips, internationally |
| Required? | Essential for EU trips from Delft | Complementary for full protection |
Travel insurance is vital for extras like emergency flights back to Schiphol from abroad.
Frequently Asked Questions About the EHIC
What if my EHIC expires during my trip?
Contact your health insurer immediately for a digital version or emergency certificate. As a Delft resident, you can also call the Juridisch Loket Delft for assistance with claims.