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Austria — As millions head off for summer holidays, the Österreichische Gesundheitskasse (ÖGK) is reminding travelers that their e‑Card doubles as a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) — a detail many insured people overlook. For 7.6 million ÖGK members, this means essential medical care abroad is often just as accessible as at home.
Where the e‑Card Is Valid
On the back of every Austrian e‑Card is the EHIC, which grants access to medically necessary treatment in:
- EU member states
- EWR countries (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway)
- Switzerland
- United Kingdom
- Several Balkan states, including Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and North Macedonia
The EHIC ensures that travelers receive care under the same conditions and at the same cost as locals — typically without complicated paperwork.
Exception: Turkey
Turkey is not covered by the EHIC. Instead, travelers must obtain a holiday treatment certificate (“Urlaubskrankenschein”). According to the ÖGK, this document can be generated “immediately and conveniently” via the ÖGK app or the online portal under Reisen und Urlaub.
What to Do in Case of Illness Abroad
The procedure depends on the country:
- Contracting states Travelers can seek medical treatment directly. The EHIC covers all necessary and non‑deferrable services.
- Turkey Present the holiday treatment certificate to receive care under the bilateral agreement.
- Non‑contracting states Treatment must be paid privately at first. Afterwards, the invoice can be submitted to the ÖGK — either through the app or the web portal — as a Wahlarztrechnung (reimbursement claim).
Important Limitation
The EHIC does not function as travel insurance. It only covers treatments that are:
- medically necessary, and
- cannot be postponed until the traveler returns home.
This means elective procedures, private hospital services, or medical repatriation are not included.
- source: kleinezeitung.at/picture: oegk.at
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