{"id":21319,"date":"2025-07-07T11:30:58","date_gmt":"2025-07-07T09:30:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/littleacademy.pl\/ekuz-dla-dziecka-dlaczego-warto-i-jak-wyrobic-karte\/"},"modified":"2025-08-19T04:53:04","modified_gmt":"2025-08-19T02:53:04","slug":"ehic-for-a-child","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/littleacademy.pl\/en\/ehic-for-a-child\/","title":{"rendered":"EHIC for a child: Why It\u2019s worth having and how to get the card"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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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 \u2013 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.<\/p>

What is the EHIC card for children and why should every parent know about it?<\/h2>

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 \u2013 under the exact same conditions as local children.<\/p>

Sounds complicated? It doesn\u2019t have to be! Imagine you\u2019re 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?<\/p>

When does a child\u2019s EHIC card really save the day?<\/h2>

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\u2019d think:<\/p>

Sudden illnesses<\/strong> \u2013 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\u2019t cost a fortune.<\/p>

Accidents while playing<\/strong> \u2013 hotel pools, playgrounds, cycling\u2026 children can find adventure anywhere. Cuts, bruises, and sometimes even broken bones are part of family holidays.<\/p>

Chronic conditions<\/strong> \u2013 if your child suffers from asthma, diabetes, or allergies, the EHIC guarantees access to necessary medication and specialist care abroad as well.<\/p>

Dental treatment<\/strong> \u2013 a toothache on holiday is every parent\u2019s nightmare. In some countries, basic dental care for children is free with the EHIC.<\/p>

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 \u2013 without the EHIC, getting a cast alone would have cost over \u20ac800!<\/p>

Where is the EHIC valid for children? The list of countries may surprise you<\/h2>

The EHIC is your child\u2019s ticket to safe travel in 32 European countries. It\u2019s valid across the entire European Union, so you can confidently take your kids on holiday to:<\/p>

  • Italy, Spain, Portugal, France \u2013 the most popular holiday destinations<\/li>
  • Greece, Croatia, Bulgaria \u2013 favorite seaside spots<\/li>
  • Germany, Czechia, Slovakia \u2013 perfect for weekend trips<\/li>
  • Scandinavia \u2013 Sweden, Denmark, Finland<\/li>
  • The Baltic states \u2013 Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia<\/li> <\/ul>

    Additionally, the card works in Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland (EFTA countries), and \u2013 importantly after Brexit \u2013 it is still valid in the United Kingdom.<\/p>

    Note!<\/strong> The EHIC does not work in Turkey, Egypt, Tunisia, or other popular non-European destinations. For those, you definitely need separate travel insurance.<\/p>

    How to get an EHIC card for your child online \u2013 the easiest step-by-step guide<\/h2>

    Applying for your child\u2019s EHIC online is really child\u2019s play. No queues, no paperwork, no dragging your kid to an office. You can sort it all out from your couch!<\/p>

    Option 1: Through your Internet Patient Account (fastest)<\/h3>
    1. Log in<\/strong> to your Internet Patient Account (IKP) using your trusted profile<\/li>
    2. Go to<\/strong> the “My account” section<\/li>
    3. Find<\/strong> the EHIC option and click “Apply”<\/li>
    4. Select<\/strong> “Application for a family member”<\/li>
    5. Enter your child\u2019s details<\/strong> \u2013 PESEL number, first and last name<\/li>
    6. Choose the delivery method<\/strong> \u2013 by post or in person<\/li>
    7. Submit<\/strong> \u2013 done!<\/li> <\/ol>

      The whole process takes just 5 minutes. The card will arrive by post within a week.<\/p>

      Option 2: Through the mojeIKP mobile app<\/h3>

      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.<\/p>

      Option 3: In person at the NFZ office (on the spot)<\/h3>

      If you\u2019re leaving tomorrow and need the card immediately:<\/p>

      • Go to your nearest NFZ office<\/li>
      • Bring your ID<\/li>
      • Fill in the form on-site<\/li>
      • Get the card straight away<\/li> <\/ul>

        Important:<\/strong> Your child doesn\u2019t need to be with you! Parents handle everything themselves.<\/p>

        Which documents do you need? Fewer than you think<\/h2>

        To apply for your child\u2019s EHIC, you need very little:<\/p>

        Online:<\/strong><\/p>

        • Access to your Internet Patient Account (your own, not your child\u2019s)<\/li>
        • Your child\u2019s PESEL number<\/li>
        • That\u2019s it! No scans, no certificates, no extra paperwork<\/li> <\/ul>

          At the office:<\/strong><\/p>

          • Parent\u2019s ID<\/li>
          • Child\u2019s PESEL number<\/li>
          • For children over 18 still in school \u2013 a certificate of enrollment<\/li> <\/ul>

            How much does a child\u2019s EHIC cost? The answer will make you happy<\/h2>

            Zero! The EHIC is completely free. You don\u2019t pay for issuing it, for postage, or for anything else. It\u2019s your right under public health insurance.<\/p>

            Warning:<\/strong> If someone tries to sell you an EHIC or asks for payment \u2013 it\u2019s a scam! Report it to the NFZ.<\/p>

            How long is the EHIC valid for children?<\/h2>

            The validity depends on the child\u2019s age:<\/p>

            • Children under 18<\/strong> \u2013 valid until their 18th birthday (sometimes even many years ahead!)<\/li>
            • Students aged 18\u201326<\/strong> \u2013 valid for 18 months<\/li>
            • Infants and toddlers<\/strong> \u2013 same as older children, until their 18th birthday<\/li> <\/ul>

              Always check the expiration date before traveling. You can apply for a new card even a month before the old one expires.<\/p>

              What does the EHIC NOT cover? Common parent mistakes<\/h2>

              The EHIC is great protection, but it has its limits. It doesn\u2019t cover:<\/p>

              Medical transport back to Poland<\/strong> \u2013 if your child needs to be brought home, costs can run into tens of thousands of z\u0142oty<\/p>

              Private healthcare<\/strong> \u2013 only public facilities are covered<\/p>

              Planned procedures<\/strong> \u2013 the EHIC only applies to emergencies<\/p>

              Mountain or sea rescue<\/strong> \u2013 these are separate (and very expensive) services<\/p>

              Extra charges<\/strong> \u2013 in some countries patients co-pay for visits or medication. With EHIC you pay what locals pay, but it can still be \u20ac20 for a doctor\u2019s visit<\/p>

              Practical examples: how much will you pay in popular countries?<\/h2>

              Even with an EHIC, in some countries you\u2019ll need to contribute to treatment costs. Here are real amounts:<\/p>

              Spain<\/strong> \u2013 most services free, but prescription drugs require co-payment (around 40%)<\/p>

              Italy<\/strong> \u2013 doctor\u2019s visits free, but lab tests can cost \u20ac20\u201336<\/p>

              Germany<\/strong> \u2013 \u20ac10 per hospital day (max 28 days per year)<\/p>

              France<\/strong> \u2013 usually you pay 30% of the visit, EHIC covers the rest<\/p>

              Croatia<\/strong> \u2013 symbolic fee of about \u20ac1\u20132 per visit<\/p>

              Greece<\/strong> \u2013 public hospital care is free, medicines require 10\u201325% co-payment<\/p>

              EHIC or travel insurance for children? Smart parents have both<\/h2>

              The EHIC is essential, but experienced parents know it\u2019s worth having travel insurance too. Why?<\/p>

              The EHIC covers:<\/strong><\/p>

              • Access to public healthcare<\/li>
              • Emergency treatment<\/li>
              • Basic cost reimbursement<\/li> <\/ul>

                Travel insurance additionally covers:<\/strong><\/p>

                • Medical transport back to Poland (can cost up to 50,000 z\u0142!)<\/li>
                • Treatment in private clinics (faster, more comfortable)<\/li>
                • Accident and liability insurance (if your child damages something in a hotel)<\/li>
                • 24\/7 assistance in Polish<\/li>
                • Trip cancellation costs<\/li> <\/ul>

                  Travel insurance costs about 3\u20135 z\u0142 per day per child. For a week-long trip you\u2019ll pay 30\u201340 z\u0142 \u2013 the price of one pizza at a restaurant. Is it worth risking?<\/p>

                  Most common mistakes parents make when applying for a child\u2019s EHIC<\/h2>

                  Mistake 1: Leaving it to the last minute<\/strong> In peak season (June\u2013August) waiting times may be longer. Apply at least 2 weeks before your trip.<\/p>

                  Mistake 2: Forgetting about the baby<\/strong> Even a one-month-old needs their own EHIC! Parents\u2019 cards don\u2019t cover children.<\/p>

                  Mistake 3: Not renewing the card<\/strong> Always check validity before traveling. It can expire at the worst possible moment.<\/p>

                  Mistake 4: Assuming EHIC is enough<\/strong> It\u2019s only basic coverage. For full safety, add travel insurance.<\/p>

                  Mistake 5: Not taking the card with you<\/strong> A card at home won\u2019t help. Take a photo of it and keep the original with your passports.<\/p>

                  Expert tips: how to use the EHIC wisely<\/h2>

                  Always carry:<\/strong><\/p>

                  • The original EHIC card<\/li>
                  • Your child\u2019s ID (passport or ID card)<\/li>
                  • NFZ helpline number (+48 22 125 66 00)<\/li>
                  • A photo of the card on your phone (just in case)<\/li> <\/ul>

                    Before traveling, check:<\/strong><\/p>

                    • That the card is valid for your entire trip<\/li>
                    • What co-payments apply in your destination country<\/li>
                    • Where the nearest public hospitals are located<\/li> <\/ul>

                      If problems arise:<\/strong><\/p>

                      • Always say you have an EHIC<\/li>
                      • Insist on treatment in public facilities<\/li>
                      • Keep all receipts and documents<\/li>
                      • If treatment is refused, call the NFZ<\/li> <\/ul>

                        Child\u2019s EHIC at a glance \u2013 key takeaways<\/h2>

                        Getting an EHIC for your child is one of the smartest decisions you can make before a family trip. It\u2019s free, you can apply online in 5 minutes, and it can save you from bills worth thousands of euros.<\/p>

                        Remember though, the EHIC is only the foundation. For full peace of mind, add travel insurance \u2013 especially if you\u2019re traveling with small children, who have a knack for getting into trouble at the most unexpected times.<\/p>

                        At Little Academy, as an international preschool, we regularly organize trips for our pupils. We always remind parents about the EHIC \u2013 it really is an essential part of travel prep with kids.<\/p>

                        Don\u2019t wait until the last minute. Apply for your child\u2019s EHIC online today \u2013 it\u2019ll 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 \u2013 without worrying about medical costs abroad.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                        Planning a family holiday abroad? Or maybe your child is going on a language camp or a school trip? Before you pack […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":21289,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[19],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-21319","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog-en"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/littleacademy.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21319","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/littleacademy.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/littleacademy.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/littleacademy.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/littleacademy.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=21319"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/littleacademy.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21319\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":21332,"href":"https:\/\/littleacademy.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21319\/revisions\/21332"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/littleacademy.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/21289"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/littleacademy.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=21319"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/littleacademy.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=21319"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/littleacademy.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=21319"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}