How to apply for your European Health Insurance Card

1. Apply online if you already have either a medical card or a Drugs Payment Scheme (DPS) card
2. Apply in person by completing an application form at your local Health Office
3. To apply by post, ask for an application form at your local Health Office, Community Care office or Health Centre. An application form can be posted to you from these offices. You can also download an application form. Complete the application form and return it by post to your Local Health Office

Remember there is no charge for the EHIC card.

What personal details do I need to give in order to get my Card?

You will need to provide your name, address, date of birth, Personal Public Service (PPS) Number. You may be asked to show evidence of your PPS Number, such as a P60 or a Social Services Card. You may also need to show proof that you are ordinarily resident in Ireland. More details are provided on the application form or available from your local Health Office.

What is my Personal Public Service Number or PPS Number?

Your PPS Number was formerly known as your RSI number. It is the unique number used by an individual in his or her transactions with the State – social welfare, health services, taxation etc. More details regarding your PPS Number are provided on the application form. If you do not know your PPS Number, contact your local Social Welfare Office and they will find your number for you. For further information regarding the PPS Number visit www.welfare.ie

Where can I use my Card?

You can use your Card to get necessary healthcare while on a temporary stay in all the countries of the European Economic Area, and in one other country, Switzerland. The European Economic Area includes the 25 member states of the European Union and three other countries.

EU member states

Austria
Belgium
Bulgaria
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Italy
Latvia
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Netherlands
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
UK (the Card is not essential for access to necessary healthcare in the UK – proof of residency in Ireland is sufficient)

Other EEA member states

Iceland
Liechtenstein
Norway

Other states

Switzerland