Fine Gael TD for Dublin Fingal, Alan Farrell, has encouraged those in the North County who are planning to go on holiday in Europe this summer to apply for a European Health Insurance Card.
“I would encourage people in the North County who are planning to go on holiday to a destination within Europe to apply for a European Health Insurance Card from the HSE. Generally, European Health Insurance Cards are issued by the HSE within 10 days of an application being received. People who are ordinarily resident in Ireland are eligible to apply for a European Health Insurance Card which will then be issued free of charge.
“A European Health Insurance Card entitles an Irish resident to healthcare in the public system of any member state of the European Union or the European Economic Area as well as in Switzerland. Having a European Health Insurance Case will provide people with reassurance that they will be able to access the treatment they would need should they fall ill or become injured while on holiday in a European country.
“For this reason, a European Health Insurance Card could be seen as a travel necessity and will provide people with peace of mind while they are on holiday. Application forms can be obtained from the HSE’s website and submitted by post to the Local Health Office, although medical card and drug payment scheme card holders can submit their applications online.
“I would also urge those in the North County who are planning their summer holidays for this year to check their passports and ensure they have sufficient time to apply for a new passport should they find their passport has expired.”
More information on the European Health Insurance Card and how to apply is available at: http://www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/1/schemes/EHIC/