Well as Im going to Germany for 6 months (thats an important fact) I have reapplied for my EEuropean Health Insurance Card which will entitle me to free medical care for the 6 months I am in Germany as I am ordinarily resident in Ireland!
Now I have dealt with these crads in work and they entitle you to free doctors appointments, hospital visits and prescriptions so they are hand if you are visiting any of these countries for 6 months or less.
Other member states of the EU or EEA:
* Austria
* Belgium
* Bulgaria
* Cyprus
* Czech Republic
* Denmark
* Estonia
* Finland
* France
* Germany
* Greece
* Hungary
* Iceland
* Italy
* Latvia
* Lithuania
* Liechtenstien
* Luxembourg
* Malta
* The Netherlands
* Norway
* Portugal
* Poland
* Romania
* Slovakia
* Slovenia
* Spain (including the Canary and Balearic Islands)
* Sweden
* United Kingdom
Other states
* Switzerland
Obviously it wont work in Ireland!
You can now apply and renew your crad online at EHIC.ie which is a great service (pity about the website!)
So this is the information i go about Germany from the website
Germany
Information
Any insurance company, including Allgemeine Ortskrankenkasse (AOK) and the Ersatzkasse (substitute health insurance fund). These companies are generally open from Monday to Friday.
Doctors, dentists and prescriptions
You should present your E111, European Health Insurance Card or Temporary Replacement Certificate to the insurance company to receive the appropriate form. Ask for a list of the doctors contracted to the insurance company and then take your form to one of the doctors on the list. You will receive free treatment from these doctors. If this is not possible, go directly to one of the contracted-in doctors and present your E111, European Health Insurance Card or Temporary Replacement Certificate. You may be required to pay a fee but this can be refunded on production of the required form as issued by the insurance company.
Medicines prescribed by the doctor can be obtained from any pharmacy in exchange for the prescription. You will be liable for a prescription charge depending on the size of the packaging. These costs are non-refundable. For minor drugs and medicines, such as painkillers and cough mixtures, you will be charged the full amount.
Hospital treatment
Hospital treatment is usually provided following consultation with a doctor. If you are admitted to hospital as an emergency and do not have time to approach a doctor or the local insurance company in advance, present your E111, European Health Insurance Card or Temporary Replacement Certificate to the hospital administration and ask them to obtain the required form for you.
So if your going abraod get this card!
(for info on other countries see this page)
