What the EHIC does and does not do
The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC, CEASS in Romania) entitles you in another EU country to the same healthcare as insured residents there, for treatment that cannot wait until you return home. It is issued free of charge by your health insurance fund. Details are on the Your Europe portal.
The card does not cover private healthcare, rescue and repatriation, or planned treatment. For other risks, the EU portal points to separate travel insurance.
What to check in the policy before paying
Start with territory: the countries or zone where the policy applies must include your destination and any stopovers. Then read the insured amount for medical costs. The insurer pays up to that limit, and anything above it stays with you.
Look for the deductible, the part of a claim you pay yourself, and check repatriation, luggage, trip cancellation and personal liability separately if you need them. Some policies settle directly with the medical provider; others make you pay first and claim later. That difference matters on your first day in hospital.
Exclusions: pre-existing conditions, sports and honest disclosure
Read the exclusions before signing: they may include chronic or pre-existing conditions.
Extreme sports and other high-risk activities usually need special cover. If you plan to ski or hike in the mountains, look for the clause that names the activity. Tell the insurer accurately about the purpose of the trip, your health and planned activities; missing information can become a reason for refusal.
What to do when something happens and which documents to keep
In a medical emergency, call the assistance number in your policy first and follow its instructions. If you choose a private provider, you may pay the full price on the spot, and recovery depends on the policy terms. Keep invoices, receipts, medical reports and correspondence, then check the policy for the full document list and the notification deadline.
For lost or damaged checked luggage, the written complaint to the airline is due within 7 days; for delayed luggage, within 21 days of receiving it, under the EU passenger rules. The airline's liability goes up to about 1,300 EUR.
If the claim is refused
Ask for the refusal in writing and compare the reason with the policy clause. If you disagree, you can petition the ASF, Romania's financial supervisor, online or by post.
Other products: the insurance page. Paying in euro? Check the EUR to RON rate.