Over 175,000 Latvians received free European health insurance card last year
Latvia's National Health Service reminds residents that the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is issued free of charge — more than 175,000 were issued last year, with 115,000 already issued in the first eight months of this year.
Latvia's National Health Service (NVD) has reported that more than 175,000 European Health Insurance Cards (EHIC) were issued to Latvian residents last year, with another 115,000 issued in the first eight months of this year. The agency reminds the public that the card is free to obtain, and that Latvians most commonly use it while traveling to Germany, Sweden and Spain.
What the card covers
The EHIC entitles holders to necessary or emergency medical care during a temporary stay in another European Union country, as well as in Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein, Switzerland or the United Kingdom, on the same terms and to the same extent as local residents receive. NVD notes there is no age limit for obtaining the card — it can be issued to an infant or a senior alike — and that every individual needs their own separate card.
How and where to apply
The card can be requested in person at NVD customer service centers in Riga, Jelgava, Kuldīga, Smiltene or Daugavpils, where it is issued within a few minutes. It is also available through the "Latvija.lv" portal's e-service for issuing and cancelling the EHIC. Those applying remotely receive the card by mail at the address given in their application.
Limitations to be aware of
NVD clarifies that the EHIC does not cover co-payments charged abroad, nor the costs of repatriation or transport in the event of serious illness or death — travelers are advised to purchase additional travel insurance to cover such risks. Citizens of third countries, including Latvian non-citizens, cannot use the EHIC in Norway, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Iceland or Denmark, except when they are stateless persons, refugees, or family members of an EU citizen.
NVD also noted that the EHIC is expected to become available in electronic format in the future. The decision on digitalization was made at the EU level, and work on its implementation is underway with the involvement of all EU member states. Further details are available on the NVD website's EHIC section.
