International travelling has become cheaper and more
widespread than ever before. In this respect, it’s easy to forget the health
risks that may be involved. Few countries offer free, straightforward, access to
medical facilities like that provided by our State.
In this area one can find information about the
EHIC, the Maltese citizens’ passport to free or reduced-cost
emergency care in most other European countries and European Economic Area. This
area also contains advice for travellers about planning ahead, staying healthy
and getting treatment elsewhere in the world.
To obtain an EHIC follow
this information: Description Persons
issued with a European Health Insurance Card will be eligible to free or
reduced-cost emergency medical treatment during temporary visits in EEA
countries and Switzerland.
The purpose of the EHIC is to facilitate access
to medical care during the holder’s temporary stay in another Member State, and
to speed up reimbursement of the costs incurred.
For more detailed
information about the EHIC
click here
Who is eligible for the Service? Persons
who are ordinarily residing in Malta and are:
Applying for an EHIC
The EHIC is free.
A separate application form is needed for each person, with the exception of
children under 16.
The application form should reach the Entitlement Unit
at least fifteen (15) working
days prior to the departure date to allow for processing and
postage of the card.
You can:
-
-
Download application by
clicking here, fill it up and send on below indicated
postal address.
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Collect an application form from the Entitlement Unit
or from any Local Council, fill them up and return it
to the Head of Entitlement Unit, Ground Floor, Ex-Outpatients Block, St.
Luke's Hospital, G'Mangia Hill, G'Mangia, Malta.
Renewing an EHIC
An EHIC is usually
valid for 5 years. You will need to apply for a new one before the expiry date
as indicated in the above section. You can apply up to 3 months before the
expiry date. In cases where you are applying before the expiry of the card, the
valid card has to be submitted with the application for a new card to be issued.
Replacing an EHIC
Lost or stolen EHIC cards
will only be replaced upon submission of a new application accompanied with an
affidavit or police report.
What are the Citizen’s
obligations?
Applicants are obliged to provide correct
information and supporting documents requested by the Entitlement Unit.
Applications which are incorrectly filled or lacking supporting documentation
will not be processed. The EHIC must only be used in public
hospitals in cases were immediately necessary care is necessary. The
EHIC does NOT cover you if the purpose of your visit is to get
medical treatment including visits to seek a second opinion. Persons issued with
an EHIC are obliged to inform the Unit of any change in circumstances
particularly changes related to the transfer of residence to another member
state, death and changes in Social Security coverage.
What
will the Department / Unit provide in return?
The Entitlement
Unit will issue the EHIC within 10 working days from receipt of application.
Cards are processed on a first come first served basis.