Planning a family holiday abroad? Or maybe your child is going on a language camp or a school trip? Before you pack your suitcases, think about one important thing – the EHIC card for your child. This little plastic card can turn out to be priceless if your little one breaks an arm while playing by the sea or gets a high fever in the middle of sightseeing in Rome.
What is the EHIC card for children and why should every parent know about it?
The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) proves that your child is covered by Polish public health insurance. With it, your child has the right to treatment in public healthcare facilities across the European Union and several other countries – under the exact same conditions as local children.
Sounds complicated? It doesn’t have to be! Imagine you’re on holiday in Spain. Your child is running on the beach, trips, and twists their ankle. Instead of looking for a private doctor and paying hundreds of euros out of pocket, you go to the nearest public hospital. You show the EHIC card and… your child gets treated just like a Spanish citizen. Simple, right?
When does a child’s EHIC card really save the day?
Parents know that kids have an amazing talent for getting into trouble at the least expected moments. While abroad, the EHIC card comes in handy more often than you’d think:
Sudden illnesses – a change of climate, water, or food often leads to stomach issues, allergies, or infections. With the EHIC, a visit to a pediatrician at a public clinic won’t cost a fortune.
Accidents while playing – hotel pools, playgrounds, cycling… children can find adventure anywhere. Cuts, bruises, and sometimes even broken bones are part of family holidays.
Chronic conditions – if your child suffers from asthma, diabetes, or allergies, the EHIC guarantees access to necessary medication and specialist care abroad as well.
Dental treatment – a toothache on holiday is every parent’s nightmare. In some countries, basic dental care for children is free with the EHIC.
At our international preschool, Little Academy, we often hear stories from parents who avoided huge expenses on family trips thanks to the EHIC card. One mom shared how her son broke his arm while learning to ski in Austria – without the EHIC, getting a cast alone would have cost over €800!
Where is the EHIC valid for children? The list of countries may surprise you
The EHIC is your child’s ticket to safe travel in 32 European countries. It’s valid across the entire European Union, so you can confidently take your kids on holiday to:
- Italy, Spain, Portugal, France – the most popular holiday destinations
- Greece, Croatia, Bulgaria – favorite seaside spots
- Germany, Czechia, Slovakia – perfect for weekend trips
- Scandinavia – Sweden, Denmark, Finland
- The Baltic states – Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia
Additionally, the card works in Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland (EFTA countries), and – importantly after Brexit – it is still valid in the United Kingdom.
Note! The EHIC does not work in Turkey, Egypt, Tunisia, or other popular non-European destinations. For those, you definitely need separate travel insurance.
How to get an EHIC card for your child online – the easiest step-by-step guide
Applying for your child’s EHIC online is really child’s play. No queues, no paperwork, no dragging your kid to an office. You can sort it all out from your couch!
Option 1: Through your Internet Patient Account (fastest)
- Log in to your Internet Patient Account (IKP) using your trusted profile
- Go to the “My account” section
- Find the EHIC option and click “Apply”
- Select “Application for a family member”
- Enter your child’s details – PESEL number, first and last name
- Choose the delivery method – by post or in person
- Submit – done!
The whole process takes just 5 minutes. The card will arrive by post within a week.
Option 2: Through the mojeIKP mobile app
You can also use the mojeIKP app. The process is the same, but you can do it while waiting for your child outside school or kindergarten.
Option 3: In person at the NFZ office (on the spot)
If you’re leaving tomorrow and need the card immediately:
- Go to your nearest NFZ office
- Bring your ID
- Fill in the form on-site
- Get the card straight away
Important: Your child doesn’t need to be with you! Parents handle everything themselves.
Which documents do you need? Fewer than you think
To apply for your child’s EHIC, you need very little:
Online:
- Access to your Internet Patient Account (your own, not your child’s)
- Your child’s PESEL number
- That’s it! No scans, no certificates, no extra paperwork
At the office:
- Parent’s ID
- Child’s PESEL number
- For children over 18 still in school – a certificate of enrollment
How much does a child’s EHIC cost? The answer will make you happy
Zero! The EHIC is completely free. You don’t pay for issuing it, for postage, or for anything else. It’s your right under public health insurance.
Warning: If someone tries to sell you an EHIC or asks for payment – it’s a scam! Report it to the NFZ.
How long is the EHIC valid for children?
The validity depends on the child’s age:
- Children under 18 – valid until their 18th birthday (sometimes even many years ahead!)
- Students aged 18–26 – valid for 18 months
- Infants and toddlers – same as older children, until their 18th birthday
Always check the expiration date before traveling. You can apply for a new card even a month before the old one expires.
What does the EHIC NOT cover? Common parent mistakes
The EHIC is great protection, but it has its limits. It doesn’t cover:
Medical transport back to Poland – if your child needs to be brought home, costs can run into tens of thousands of złoty
Private healthcare – only public facilities are covered
Planned procedures – the EHIC only applies to emergencies
Mountain or sea rescue – these are separate (and very expensive) services
Extra charges – in some countries patients co-pay for visits or medication. With EHIC you pay what locals pay, but it can still be €20 for a doctor’s visit
Practical examples: how much will you pay in popular countries?
Even with an EHIC, in some countries you’ll need to contribute to treatment costs. Here are real amounts:
Spain – most services free, but prescription drugs require co-payment (around 40%)
Italy – doctor’s visits free, but lab tests can cost €20–36
Germany – €10 per hospital day (max 28 days per year)
France – usually you pay 30% of the visit, EHIC covers the rest
Croatia – symbolic fee of about €1–2 per visit
Greece – public hospital care is free, medicines require 10–25% co-payment
EHIC or travel insurance for children? Smart parents have both
The EHIC is essential, but experienced parents know it’s worth having travel insurance too. Why?
The EHIC covers:
- Access to public healthcare
- Emergency treatment
- Basic cost reimbursement
Travel insurance additionally covers:
- Medical transport back to Poland (can cost up to 50,000 zł!)
- Treatment in private clinics (faster, more comfortable)
- Accident and liability insurance (if your child damages something in a hotel)
- 24/7 assistance in Polish
- Trip cancellation costs
Travel insurance costs about 3–5 zł per day per child. For a week-long trip you’ll pay 30–40 zł – the price of one pizza at a restaurant. Is it worth risking?
Most common mistakes parents make when applying for a child’s EHIC
Mistake 1: Leaving it to the last minute In peak season (June–August) waiting times may be longer. Apply at least 2 weeks before your trip.
Mistake 2: Forgetting about the baby Even a one-month-old needs their own EHIC! Parents’ cards don’t cover children.
Mistake 3: Not renewing the card Always check validity before traveling. It can expire at the worst possible moment.
Mistake 4: Assuming EHIC is enough It’s only basic coverage. For full safety, add travel insurance.
Mistake 5: Not taking the card with you A card at home won’t help. Take a photo of it and keep the original with your passports.
Expert tips: how to use the EHIC wisely
Always carry:
- The original EHIC card
- Your child’s ID (passport or ID card)
- NFZ helpline number (+48 22 125 66 00)
- A photo of the card on your phone (just in case)
Before traveling, check:
- That the card is valid for your entire trip
- What co-payments apply in your destination country
- Where the nearest public hospitals are located
If problems arise:
- Always say you have an EHIC
- Insist on treatment in public facilities
- Keep all receipts and documents
- If treatment is refused, call the NFZ
Child’s EHIC at a glance – key takeaways
Getting an EHIC for your child is one of the smartest decisions you can make before a family trip. It’s free, you can apply online in 5 minutes, and it can save you from bills worth thousands of euros.
Remember though, the EHIC is only the foundation. For full peace of mind, add travel insurance – especially if you’re traveling with small children, who have a knack for getting into trouble at the most unexpected times.
At Little Academy, as an international preschool, we regularly organize trips for our pupils. We always remind parents about the EHIC – it really is an essential part of travel prep with kids.
Don’t wait until the last minute. Apply for your child’s EHIC online today – it’ll take you less time than drinking your morning coffee. Your holiday will be calmer, and your wallet safer. Because the most important thing is enjoying time together as a family – without worrying about medical costs abroad.
