Written answers

Thursday, 5 June 2008

Department of Health and Children

Medical Cards

3:00 pm

Photo of Jim O'KeeffeJim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 29: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that no procedures are in place for the replacement of a European health insurance card, where same has been stolen or lost, prior to the expiration date which may be years hence; and if she will ensure that this matter is remedied. [22007/08]

Photo of Mary HarneyMary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The European Health Insurance Card was introduced on 1 June 2004. The EHIC enables the holder to access necessary healthcare in the public healthcare system of any EU/EEA member state or Switzerland, if he or she becomes ill or injured while on a temporary stay in that country. The EHIC replaced four previously existing paper forms of entitlement, including the E111. In Ireland, anyone who is eligible for healthcare (all those who are ordinarily resident as well as EU nationals employed in Ireland) may be issued with an EHIC by the HSE.

Anyone who already has either a medical card or a Drugs Payment Scheme (DPS) card may apply online at www.ehic.ie. Applications may also be made at Local Health Offices in person or by post. Cards are issued within approximately 10 working days. If there is not sufficient time before travelling for an EHIC to be issued, a Provisional Replacement Certificate may be issued at your Local Health Office. This is a paper form that gives the same entitlement as the EHIC, but usually for a shorter period.

Where an EHIC is lost or stolen, a replacement EHIC may be issued. Applications for a replacement EHIC may only be made through Local Health Offices and may not be made online. The replacement EHIC will be forwarded to the applicant within ten days. Where a replacement is needed more urgently than this, a Provisional Replacement Certificate may be issued.

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