The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is a free card that gives you access to medically necessary, state-provided healthcare during a temporary stay in any of the 27 EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. It covers you for treatment that becomes necessary during your visit, such as if you have an accident or fall ill.
The EHIC is not a substitute for travel insurance. It does not cover any private healthcare or costs such as repatriation, mountain rescue, or lost or stolen property. You should always take out travel insurance when you go abroad.