A family moves to Spain, Portugal, or another EU country, applies for a residence permit, and plans to sort out healthcare after arrival. It seems enough to get the European Health Insurance Card — EHIC — and the matter is settled.
But EHIC and travel health insurance serve completely different purposes. Moreover, holding a residence permit does not automatically mean that a person has the same access to all local healthcare services from day one.
What EHIC is and when it applies
EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) is a free card issued by the national health insurance system to an already insured person. You cannot obtain it simply because you are moving to Europe or have been granted a residence permit.
The card is valid during temporary stays in European Union countries, as well as in Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. It entitles the holder to necessary medical care in the public healthcare system on the same terms and at the same cost as insured residents of the host country. EHIC does not mean "free healthcare": if local patients pay a portion of the cost, the cardholder may also have to make a similar co‑payment.
"Necessary medical care" does not mean exclusively emergency care. EHIC may be used, for example, in the event of an exacerbation of a chronic condition, as well as for medical assistance during pregnancy or childbirth. The key condition is that the person is staying temporarily and has not travelled specifically to receive the treatment.
What EHIC does not replace
The card does not cover private clinics, medical evacuation, or repatriation, and it is not intended for planned treatment that a person travels abroad specifically to receive. Other insurance and administrative mechanisms apply in such cases.
That is why it is important to distinguish three stages when relocating:
Stage 1. Short‑term visit
What to focus on: travel insurance; EHIC — if it has already been issued by your insurance system.
Stage 2. Residence permit application and the first months after relocation
What to focus on: a policy that meets the requirements of the specific country and the basis for the residence permit.
Stage 3. Permanent residence after registration
What to focus on: the national healthcare system of the country of residence; in certain cases — form S1.
If you are relocating and making another country your ordinary place of residence, relying solely on EHIC is no longer correct. You need to determine in advance when you become eligible for state healthcare, whether insurance contributions are required, how to register with a doctor, and under what conditions your spouse and children are included in the system.
In some cases, form S1 is used during relocation. It allows you to register the right to healthcare in the country of residence while costs remain covered by the social security system of another country. However, the right to S1 depends on the person's specific status and is not available to everyone.
What to do in case of a chronic condition
A chronic diagnosis does not in itself disqualify a person from receiving necessary care under EHIC during a temporary stay. But the card does not guarantee that the usual treatment can be continued in the same scope and according to the same regimen.
Therefore, before relocating or travelling, it is advisable to check the availability of the required specialist and medications, prepare medical summaries and prescriptions, and clarify what costs the insurance will cover.
For those under temporary protection
A separate procedure applies to beneficiaries of temporary protection. After registration, the person gains access to the healthcare system of the host country under its national rules. If that system recognises them as fully insured, an EHIC may subsequently be issued.
Even in this case, the card is primarily intended for necessary medical care during temporary stays in other participating countries, not as a substitute for the healthcare system of the country where the person permanently resides.
What to check before relocation
The main rule is simple: EHIC is designed for temporary stays, not for relocation. When relocating, the medical pathway should be planned as carefully as the basis for the residence permit: separately verify the insurance for the application, the timing of the transition to the national system, and the costs that may remain with the family after the move.
Planning a move to Europe?
Insurance is only one element of preparation for a residence permit. To ensure a smooth relocation, it is important to choose the right basis in advance, assess the timelines, country requirements, family budget, and the sequence of steps after entry.
During an individual consultation, NATLAN specialists will help you analyse your situation, compare possible relocation routes, and develop a realistic plan: from selecting the country and basis for the residence permit to the first steps after relocation.
But EHIC and travel health insurance serve completely different purposes. Moreover, holding a residence permit does not automatically mean that a person has the same access to all local healthcare services from day one.
What EHIC is and when it applies
EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) is a free card issued by the national health insurance system to an already insured person. You cannot obtain it simply because you are moving to Europe or have been granted a residence permit.
The card is valid during temporary stays in European Union countries, as well as in Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. It entitles the holder to necessary medical care in the public healthcare system on the same terms and at the same cost as insured residents of the host country. EHIC does not mean "free healthcare": if local patients pay a portion of the cost, the cardholder may also have to make a similar co‑payment.
"Necessary medical care" does not mean exclusively emergency care. EHIC may be used, for example, in the event of an exacerbation of a chronic condition, as well as for medical assistance during pregnancy or childbirth. The key condition is that the person is staying temporarily and has not travelled specifically to receive the treatment.
What EHIC does not replace
The card does not cover private clinics, medical evacuation, or repatriation, and it is not intended for planned treatment that a person travels abroad specifically to receive. Other insurance and administrative mechanisms apply in such cases.
That is why it is important to distinguish three stages when relocating:
Stage 1. Short‑term visit
What to focus on: travel insurance; EHIC — if it has already been issued by your insurance system.
Stage 2. Residence permit application and the first months after relocation
What to focus on: a policy that meets the requirements of the specific country and the basis for the residence permit.
Stage 3. Permanent residence after registration
What to focus on: the national healthcare system of the country of residence; in certain cases — form S1.
If you are relocating and making another country your ordinary place of residence, relying solely on EHIC is no longer correct. You need to determine in advance when you become eligible for state healthcare, whether insurance contributions are required, how to register with a doctor, and under what conditions your spouse and children are included in the system.
In some cases, form S1 is used during relocation. It allows you to register the right to healthcare in the country of residence while costs remain covered by the social security system of another country. However, the right to S1 depends on the person's specific status and is not available to everyone.
What to do in case of a chronic condition
A chronic diagnosis does not in itself disqualify a person from receiving necessary care under EHIC during a temporary stay. But the card does not guarantee that the usual treatment can be continued in the same scope and according to the same regimen.
Therefore, before relocating or travelling, it is advisable to check the availability of the required specialist and medications, prepare medical summaries and prescriptions, and clarify what costs the insurance will cover.
For those under temporary protection
A separate procedure applies to beneficiaries of temporary protection. After registration, the person gains access to the healthcare system of the host country under its national rules. If that system recognises them as fully insured, an EHIC may subsequently be issued.
Even in this case, the card is primarily intended for necessary medical care during temporary stays in other participating countries, not as a substitute for the healthcare system of the country where the person permanently resides.
What to check before relocation
- What insurance coverage is required specifically for your basis of residence permit.
- From which date the policy is valid and whether it covers the entire family.
- How chronic conditions, pregnancy, and prescription medications are covered.
- Whether you are entitled to EHIC or form S1.
- When you can register with the local system and see a doctor.
- Which extracts, prescriptions, and medical documents should be translated in advance.
- What co‑payments and restrictions apply specifically in the chosen country.
The main rule is simple: EHIC is designed for temporary stays, not for relocation. When relocating, the medical pathway should be planned as carefully as the basis for the residence permit: separately verify the insurance for the application, the timing of the transition to the national system, and the costs that may remain with the family after the move.
Planning a move to Europe?
Insurance is only one element of preparation for a residence permit. To ensure a smooth relocation, it is important to choose the right basis in advance, assess the timelines, country requirements, family budget, and the sequence of steps after entry.
During an individual consultation, NATLAN specialists will help you analyse your situation, compare possible relocation routes, and develop a realistic plan: from selecting the country and basis for the residence permit to the first steps after relocation.