Renewing the European Health Insurance Card

The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) allows you to receive medical assistance during a temporary stay in a country in the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland.

Medical care is provided through that country's social security system, which means that some health care may not be free of charge and may require the payment of user fees.

The EHIC is valid for 3 years. In case of loss, misplacement or theft, you must report the situation to the Social Security as soon as possible.

NOTICE: ADSE no longer issues the European Health Insurance Card since 2020.

Service channels

Learn where you can carry out the service and what are the advantages of each channel

Who can renewing the European Health Insurance Card?

When can you renewing the European Health Insurance Card?

The European Health Insurance Card is valid for 3 years.

Renewal must be done within the last 30 days before the end of the validity period indicated on the card.

What are the documents and requirements to renewing the European Health Insurance Card?

  • To renew the EHIC, you will need to make a new application and attach the following data and documents:

    • personal data of the person who will be the cardholder (including the Social Security Identification Number and the National Health Service User Number)
    • personal data of the dependent family members of the person who will apply for the card
    • fill in the Application Form for the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).

    If the application for renewal is made before the expiry of the card, you should also indicate the card number.

How renewing the European Health Insurance Card?

Online:

  • On Segurança Social Direta - you need to have Social Security number (see how to do it in this video)
    • Select the menu "Doença" [Sickness]
    • Choose the option "Obter Cartão Europeu de Seguro de Doença" [Get European Health Insurance Card]
    • Press the "Iniciar pedido" [Start request] button and follow the instructions
  • On the Segurança Social Security + Próxima app (available for AndroidiOS and Huawei)
    • Select the "Cartão Europeu de Seguro de Doença" [European Health Insurance Card] option
    • Follow the instructions.

On site:

How long does it take to receive the European Health Insurance Card?

The European Health Insurance Card is sent to your address within 5 to 7 working days after you submit the application.

Provisional Replacement Certificate

If you are traveling within 10 days and have not yet received the new European Health Insurance Card, you can apply for a Provisional Replacement Certificate (PEC). The certificate replaces the EHIC for 3 months and guarantees the same rights.

The application must be made at the Social Security offices.

If you lose or forget your European Health Insurance Card and need health care during your trip, you can also ask Social Security to send the PEC to the health facility where you are.

What is the price to renewing the European Health Insurance Card?

It is free of charge.

Additional information

What is the support legislation?