Over 141,000 European health insurance cards issued since 2006

The Health Division has issued 141,669 European health insurance cards since 2006 and 22,500 cards since January of this year, the Health Ministry said.

The card covers the cost of emergency medical treatment during temporary visits in the 27 EU member states, EEA member countries and Switzerland.

The card must be presented to state healthcare providers when seeking treatment.

Persons residing permanently in Malta and covered by Maltese social security are eligible for the card.

One can apply for the card by downloading an application from http://sahha.gov.mt/showdoc.aspx?id=245&filesource=4&file=ehic.pdf and return the completed form to the Entitlement Unit; by applying on www.ehealth.gov.mt - e-ID is required, obtainable from the e-ID registration offices, which are the same premises as Passport Office in St Paul Street Valletta, in Victoria or by collecting an application form from the Entitlement Unit or from local councils and return the completed form to the Entitlement Unit.

Application forms are to be mailed to the Entitlement Unit, 23, St John Street, Valletta and must reach the Entitlement Unit at least 15 working days prior to one's departure date to allow for processing and mailing.

In those cases where patients are asked to pay a fee or a partial payment for medical treatment, patients must keep original bills, prescriptions, receipts, and other documents to be able to apply for a refund.

Further information go to http://www.sahha.gov.mt/showdoc.aspx?id=207&filesource=4&file=ehic_infoleaflet.pdf, via e-mail on entitlement.mhec@gov.mt or call 2299 2345, 2299 2346, 2299 2515.