The EHIC card

If you live in an EU or EEA country and are entitled to free or reduced-price health care, then you have the same rights in Gran Canaria during your holiday. All you need to bring is a valid EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) in your name.

All you need to bring is a valid EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) in your name. Your card should be issued by your country of official residence and not your country of nationality.

Every person coming to Gran Canaria needs their own EHIC card to guarantee coverage. This includes infants and children. 

What does the EHIC card cover?

Your EHIC card covers you for state-provided health services equivalent to what you are entitled to in your country of residence. This includes emergency medical care, doctor's fees, prescription costs, etc.

What doesn't the EHIC cover?

Your EHIC card doesn't cover the cost of non-emergency aftercare and non-essential medicines.

It doesn't entitle you to any medical procedures carried out by private clinics, or any non-essential procedures that you choose to have. 

Nor does it cover any costs for other people in your travelling party. For example, the costs of missed flights, extra hotel nights, etc. 

To guarantee that illness doesn't cost you while on holiday, buy travel insurance as well as bringing your EHIC card.

Travel insurance

Travel insurance covers you for all the unexpected costs that come with an illness or accident on holiday. Things like the cost of missing your flight home and needing to book extra hotel nights. Insurance also covers the cost of medical evacuation back to your country of residence.

Be aware that standard travel insurance packages don't cover injuries caused by a wide range of extreme sports such as parasailing.