To date, Poles have downloaded nearly 7 million EU COVID certificates. Which may mean that after the pandemic kept us at home in the summer last year, a boom in foreign travel is now gearing up. However, it is still important to remember that health problems can still spoil our holidays. That is why, in addition to proof of vaccination against coronavirus, it is a good idea to take your EHIC card with you. What does the EHIC offer abroad?
Holders European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) in emergencies, but also during illness, they can benefit from healthcare guaranteed by the public insurance system of the country concerned. Polish compulsory health insurance is recognised in the EU and EFTA countries (EFTA member states are Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein). The card may be issued to persons covered by compulsory health insurance in Poland and to family members registered for insurance.
How do I apply for an EHIC card?
You can apply for an EHIC in person at any NFZ branch, you can send it by e-mail, via the ePUAP platform, IKP, and you can also send a printed application by traditional post to any NFZ branch. The EHIC is issued free of charge.
How long is the EHIC valid for?
20 years card is valid for pension recipients who have reached the pensionable age of 60 for women and 65 for men.
The card for children enrolled in health insurance as a family member is valid until the age of 18.
3 years if, you are employed, self-employed or in receipt of pre-retirement benefits or allowances.
18 months for pension recipients over the age of 18, persons insured as a family member over the age of 18, students,
6 months to persons without insurance but entitled to benefits on the basis of specific entitlements, i.e.: pregnant women, minors with refugee status
2 months for unemployed persons registered at the Employment Office
90 days for the uninsured, but who meet the income criterion for receiving social assistance benefits, as confirmed by a decision of e.g. the mayor.
Important! The EHIC does not give any entitlement if the purpose of the trip is planned medical treatmentIn most EU/EFTA Member States, there is also a patient co-payment system, i.e. the patient pays part of the cost of treatment from his/her own financial resources. For example, in the Czech Republic, there is a co-payment for medical services received, hospital stay, doctor's call at home and issuance of reimbursed medicine prescribed. To avoid the burden of these costs, it is advisable to take out additional private insurance.
From 1 July, throughout the European Union, in order to travel freely, you must remember to Covid certification. Other countries outside the EU have also announced that they will recognise this document. Such a declaration has been made by, among others, Egypt and Tunisia, which are popular among Polish tourists., who have taken one dose from Johnson & Johnson or two from Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna or AstraZeneki. In Poland, the certificate is valid for 365 days and runs from the 14th day after taking the preparation.
For those who COVID-19, The certificate is valid from the 11th to the 180th day after a positive PCR test.
The EU Covid Certificate is electronic proof that a person:
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She has experienced COVID-19 disease,
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has a negative COVID-19 test result,
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was vaccinated against COVID-19.
Key features of the Certificate:
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is available in digital or paper format,
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there is a QR code on it,
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is free of charge,
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is in the national language and in English,
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is safe and secure,
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is valid in all EU countries.
How can I obtain a Union Covid Certificate?
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via an Internet Patient Account (IKP) - pacjent.gov.pl,
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via the myIKP app,
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via the mCitizen application,
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at vaccination centres,
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from a doctor or nurse from a primary care clinic.
Source: cowzdrowiu.pl