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Estonian Health Insurance Coverage in the European Union
Persons insured by the Estonian Health Insurance Fund (EHIF) who are staying temporarily in another Member State can receive health care on equal terms to insured people living in such a country when a medical necessity occurs. Medical necessity also includes pregnancy-related consultations and giving birth in another state for family reasons or under extraordinary conditions and services required for chronic illnesses, such as kidney dialysis, oxygen therapy, specialized care of asthma, echocardiography in chronic autoimmune diseases, chemotherapy-related illnesses). Persons uninsured by EHIF and/or not covered by private travel insurance will still receive required treatment in an emergency situation, but will have to pay out-of-pocket for most of the treatment. A patient should provide to a medical institution in another EU member state their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or a replacement certificate and an identity document. The right to receive health services on the basis of the EHIC applies only in medical institutions belonging to the public health care system (it does not include private clinics). Persons with a valid Estonian national health insurance coverage can apply for the EHIC card and related documents at Estonian Health Insurance Fund. Nationals from non-EU countries cannot use their EHIC for medical treatment in Denmark, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. During a trip to the aforementioned countries, it is recommended to conclude a separate health insurance contract with a private insurance company. 18
