, Applying for the European Health Insurance Card - gov.pt

Applying for the European Health Insurance Card

The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) gives citizens access to healthcare during a temporary stay in a European Union country, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. Medical assistance is provided through the social security system of that country. Be aware that there may be costs involved, such as user charges.

If you lose your card or it is stolen, you should report this to Social Security as soon as possible.

Service channels

Learn where you may submit your request and what are the advantages of each channel

Who can applying for the European Health Insurance Card?

You can apply for the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) if you are:

  • a worker covered by a Social Security scheme, an economically inactive worker, a retired worker, a pensioner or a family member of one of the aforesaid;
  • a beneficiary of a public health subsystem;
  • a beneficiary of a private health subsystem;
  • a Portuguese national health service user, where there is no link to a Social Security scheme or to a public or private health subsystem.

EHIC for children and young people
As the card is individual, every member of the family, including children, must have their own card. Children and young people can apply for their EHIC online by registering on Social Security Direct (SSD) with their Social Security identification number (NISS).

When can you applying for the European Health Insurance Card?

The European Health Insurance Card is valid for three years.

What are the documents and requirements to applying for the European Health Insurance Card?

To apply for the European Health Insurance Card, you will need:

  • the personal details of the person who will be the cardholder (including the Social Security identification number and the national health service user number).
  • the personal details of any dependants of the person applying for the card.

To apply for the card online, you will need to sign in using one of the following means of authentication:

  • a Digital Mobile Key (CMD),
  • your Citizen Card,
  • your Social Security number and password.

If you do not yet have a Digital Mobile Key, learn how to activate your Digital Mobile Key.

If you want to use your Citizen Card, find out how to sign in with a Citizen Card.

To apply for the European Health Insurance Card, you will need:

  • the personal details of the person who will be the cardholder (including the Social Security identification number and the national health service user number).
  • the personal details of any dependants of the person applying for the card.
  • to complete the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) application form. This form is also provided at the service desk.

what is the timeframe for receiving the European Health Insurance Card?

The European Health Insurance Card will be sent to your home address within five to seven working days of submitting your application.

Provisional replacement certificate

If you are travelling within 10 days and have not yet received your new European Health Insurance Card, you can request a provisional replacement certificate (PRC). The certificate replaces the EHIC for a period of three months and guarantees the same rights.

You can apply online on Social Security Direct or at a Social Security office.

If you apply for the card via Social Security Direct, the provisional replacement certificate will be sent as a PDF to the email address you provide.

If you lose or forget your European Health Insurance Card and need healthcare while travelling, you can also ask Social Security to send the provisional replacement certificate to the medical establishment where you are are seeking healthcare.

What is the price to applying for the European Health Insurance Card?

It is free of charge.

Additional Information

For more information about the European Health Insurance Card, see the Social Security portal and the "EHIC Practical Guide".

The SNS24 portal also has the following EHIC-related health guides available: "European Health Insurance Card" and "My Health in Europe".

What is the support legislation?