Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 November 2012
1142. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Health if any provision exists for applying for European health insurance card, formerly the E111 form, retrospectively, particularly in the case where a patient took ill suddenly, required immediate surgery in a foreign country and did not know of its existence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48347/12]
View answerUnder EU Regulations, all persons ordinarily resident in Ireland are entitled to apply for a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) which covers them for necessary health care during a temporary visit to another EU Member State. All persons are entitled to healthcare under EU regulations in another Member State even if they do not hold a EHIC at the time treatment was provided.
If a person does not hold a current EHIC, it is possible to request a Temporary Replacement Certificate from the HSE whilst on a visit to another state. If this facility was not availed of and costs were incurred, the local Health office can process a claim for a refund by the patient on return to Ireland. The HSE can issue a temporary certificate retrospectively provided entitlement existed. However, it is the other EU Member State that determines the amount to be refunded and if the treatment provided was under EU regulations.
