New procedure for issuing EHIC to EU pensioners living in Estonia

On 1st May 2010 the EU regulation no 1408/71 on the coordination of social security systems will be substituted by the regulation 883/2004.  In connection with this there will be some changes to the issuing process of the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to the pensioners living abroad in other EU countries who are registered there on the basis of form E121.

Up to now, the EHIC was issued by the institution of the country where the pensioner was living and had registered their E121 form. From 1st May 2010, the card will be issued by the country that issued the E121 form.

If you are a person who receives pension from some other EU country besides Estonia and are registered here on the basis of E121, please turn to the institution that issued your E121 in order to get information on how to order yourself a new EHIC. From 1st May you may not use the EHIC issued by the Estonian Health Insurance Fund anymore.

We draw your attention to the fact that the change in legislation only affects the issuing process of EHIC card. It does not affect your right for health care in Estonia and if you have registered your E121 here you still have the right for health care benefits as if you were an Estonian pensioner.