European Health Insurance Card validity period extended to five years – delays possible for new cards

Cards ordered after early 2026 will have the new, longer validity period. The EHIC cards that are currently in circulation are only valid for two years. Kela will renew the new cards every five years. 

The change does not affect the EHIC cards that are still valid. The new card will look the same and work the same way. 

“The extended validity period means that we do not have to renew cards so often, and that makes life easier for our customers,” says Karoliina Andersson, Coordinator at Kela. 

Break in card deliveries in early 2026 

The card supplier will change, and that may lead to a break in the delivery of new cards in late 2025 and early 2026. For this reason, we recommend that customers apply for a card as soon as possible if they do not already have a card. 

“If you do not have a card at the moment and you are going abroad early next year, apply for the card well before Christmas. You can also ask Kela to issue you a temporary certificate if you are about to travel and cannot get the card in time,” says Andersson. 

If you already have an EHIC card, you can use it until the end of its validity period. You do not have to do anything to get a new card. Kela will automatically send you a new card before your existing card expires. 

What is the card used for? 

The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) gives you access to medically necessary healthcare during a temporary stay in another EU or EEA country, Switzerland or the United Kingdom. Medically necessary treatment means treatment that cannot be delayed until you return home. Examples include accidents or sudden illness. 

The EHIC card is accepted by public healthcare providers and by private doctors who have an agreement with their local health insurance institution.  

The EHIC card is free of charge and issued by Kela to applicants in Finland. You can get an EHIC card if you are covered for health insurance in Finland or if Finland is responsible for the costs of your medical care. 

More information: 

https://www.kela.fi/european-health-insurance-card