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European Health Insurance Card

Cartão Europeu de Seguro de Doença

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What is it?

It is a card that allows any national citizen, resident in Portugal, to benefit from medical assistance during their temporary stay in one of the 27 Member States of the European Union, in Liechtenstein, Norway, Iceland or Switzerland and the United Kingdom. The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) allows its holder to obtain the necessary healthcare during a stay in another Member State. Healthcare is provided in the same way as for beneficiaries of the social security system in the country where they are located, which means that such care may not be free and that there may be charges or non-refundable reimbursements.

Important: The European Health Insurance Card does not cover situations where the person travels to another country for the purpose of receiving medical treatment.

Why would I need it?

You will need it if you travel to another country in the European Union or the European Economic Area and need some medical treatment.

You can apply if you are a resident in Portugal and:

  • are covered by a social security
  • those who are not active, pensioners and their family members
  • beneficiaries of public health subsystems
  • beneficiaries of private health subsystems
  • users of the national health service, in the event of there being no link with Social Security or with a public or private health subsystem

Step-by-Step guide

Online

  • Access Segurança Social Direta (if you are not already registered on this service, you must do so and wait for the access password to be sent by email or SMS)
  • Before proceeding to the next step, make sure your registered address is the correct one!!
  • Select Menu > Doença > Cartão Europeu de Seguro de Doença > Iniciar pedido
  • Confirm the data
  • If all is correct, click Confirmar pedido > OK
  • Click on the Certificado Provisório button. This will download a certificate that is valid for 3 months.
  • The card will be sent home, to the address that is on Social Security.

In person, at a Loja do Cidadão or Social Security counter. Make sure to have your NISS proof.

After the request is made, the average delivery time is 5 to 7 working days. However, this time will vary depending on the time of the year and volume of requests.

Documents Required

  • Social Security Identification Card/proof
  • Public or Private Subsystem Beneficiary Card
  • National Health Service User Card/proof

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about this service.

The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is issued free of charge.

Where we are

Rua Carvalho Araújo 66-B
1900-140 Lisboa
Portugal

How to Get Here

  • Metro: Linha Verde (Green Line) - Intendente Station
  • Bus: 708, 730, 742, 794

Opening hours

Mon, Tue, Thu
10:00–12:30 & 14:00–17:30
Wednesday (Extended)
Until 19:30
Friday
Until 18:30
No appointment needed. Just walk in.

Contact info

+351 964 809 959