Good take-up of European health card
Now held by 180 million citiziens across Europe
Maltese travellers are becoming increasingly conscientious when travelling and 37 per cent never go abroad without the European Health Insurance Card.
The European Commission said this card, offered free by health authorities, proved to be quite popular with Maltese and by the end of 2008, a total of 151,901 had been issued to citizens.
"We are very impressed with the take-up of this card in Malta since its launch five years ago. Last year was an extraordinary year as 37,435 new cards were issued. This means the Maltese are more aware of this EU service and its benefits," a Commission spokesman told The Times.
While it does not replace travel insurance, this card covers all healthcare during a temporary stay in one of the 31 participating countries (the EU 27, Norway, Liechtenstein, Iceland and Switzerland), be it for travel, work or studies.
In the case of illness or accidents, the card entitles the holder to the same medical treatment, and on the same basis, as a local patient. However, the card does not entitle a holder to private services.
The card was introduced progressively between June 2004 and December 2005 to replace the previous form called the E111. It is now held by 180 million citizens (35 per cent of Europeans).
The Commission pointed out that there were significant differences between countries. In Italy, Austria, the Czech Republic and Switzerland, almost the entire population had this card, while in Bulgaria, Romania, Greece, Poland and Spain, less than five per cent possessed one.
This difference can be partly explained by the fact that in some countries, such as Italy, Austria and the Czech Republic, the card has been integrated on the reverse side of the national sickness insurance card.
Although individual member states are responsible for its distribution, the card shares a common design to make it easily recognisable for medical staff, even if they do not speak the same language as the patient.
Maltese citizens can apply for a card online at www.sahha.gov.mt.