Just in time for the summer holidays, the EURO 2012 Football Championship and the London 2012 Olympics, the European Commission launched an application for smartphones explaining how to use the European Health Insurance Card.

Differences among healthcare systems may make it difficult to figure out how to use the Card in various countries and what the local rules are. This handy guide on how to use the Card in the 27 EU countries, Iceland, Lichtenstein, Norway and Switzerland is now available as an application for smartphones on three platforms: iOS, Android and Windows 7 mobile. It includes general information about the card, emergency phone numbers, treatments that are covered and costs, how to claim reimbursement and who to contact in case you have lost your card. The app is available in 24 languages, with the option to switch from one language to another.

Download "European Health Insurance Card" app for your smartphone

The European Health Insurance Card itself cannot be generated or downloaded by the application. The Card is available – free of charge – from national health insurance providers. The Card gives people access to state-provided healthcare in case of illness or an accident during travel and temporary stays in 31 European countries. It guarantees access to urgent treatment under the same conditions and at the same cost (free in some countries) as people insured in that country.