European Health Card: 'EU Common Sense'

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 4th Dec 2003

London's LibDem Euro-MP Baroness Sarah Ludford has welcomed a vote in the European Parliament today which should see a 'European Health Insurance Card' launched by next summer.

Said Sarah:

"The launch of this card will bring real practical benefits to citizens in accessing health services abroad, whether on holiday, business or for study."

"This 'medical smartcard' will cut the bureaucracy involved (in getting the old 'E111' form) and also extend rights. It is just the sort of EU common sense measure that we need more of."

"Travel abroad is now a possibility for an increasing number of people, so the EU is responding effectively to the need for security if people fall ill. A new card ready for 2004's summer holidays is an excellent step forward."

1) The credit-card sized European Health Insurance Card will replace the E111 form as evidence of health insurance in the citizen's home country.

2) The scope has been extended so all EU citizens will be entitled to 'medically necessary care' as opposed to the previous narrower limitation of 'emergency care'. This makes it easier for chronically ill persons, for example those with diabetes or in need of dialysis, to travel abroad.

3) It does not entitle people to travel to another Member State with the intention of receiving care ("health care tourism").