Many Cyprus Residents Without European Health Card

Description:

Approximately only 6% of the Cyprus population hold an EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) compared to a much higher figure in other EU countries according to the European Commission.
 
However, these figures were even lower in Lithuania, Spain, Latvia, Poland, Bulgaria, Greece and Romania.
 
The countries with the highest figures for holding the EHIC were found to be those that were automatically issued the card.
 
The EHIC has overall proved to be a success since its launch on 1st June 2004.
 
The card allows anyone who is insured or covered by the statutory social security scheme of the EEA (European Economic Area) countries to receive necessary medical treatment in another member state free or at a reduced cost during their visit.
 
It does not cover people who travel to a country for the purpose of obtaining medical care.
 
More details can be found by visiting http://ec.europa.eu/social/main.jsp?catId=563&langId=en on how to obtain an EHIC which is a free card.