EHIC and travel insurance — two different things, both needed

The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) and a commercial travel insurance are two different things people often confuse. EHIC does NOT replace travel insurance — and vice versa.

EHIC — what does it cover?

• Medical care in EU/EEA + Switzerland, at the level local insured receive.
• Acute care, hospital admission (basic), prescription medication, A&E.
• Free request from your Dutch health insurer — valid 5-10 years.

EHIC does NOT cover: repatriation to the Netherlands, private clinics, treatments not covered in NL, non-EU destinations (US, Asia, Turkey outside the European part), emergency dental (often limited), baggage or cancellation or flights or liability.

Travel insurance — what does it add?

• Repatriation — ambulance flight to NL on medical necessity. Can cost tens of thousands without insurance.
• Excess covered — what EHIC doesn't cover the insurer fills in.
• Non-EU destinations — US medical costs are notorious budget-killers; treatment can hit €100,000+ uninsured.
• Baggage and cancellation.
• Third-party liability during the trip.
• 24/7 emergency line — on medical crisis you can call them, they handle everything on the spot. EHIC has none.

Practical combination: EHIC always with you (within EU) plus travel insurance. EHIC supports: local first consult, low admin. Travel insurance: anything larger.

Common mistake: "I have travel insurance so I don't need EHIC" — sometimes the treating EU doctor wants EHIC as base cover first before the insurer kicks in. Without EHIC: you pay deposit, insurer reimburses later. With EHIC: doctor gets paid directly via Dutch system.