In an emergency, call the local emergency number first: 112 works across the EU. Then call your travel insurer’s assistance line as soon as you can; many policies ask you to, before costly treatment if possible. In Europe, show your European Health Insurance Card at state providers. Keep every report and receipt.
What to do
- In an emergency, call 112The European emergency number works in every EU country, free, from any phone.
- Call your insurer’s assistance lineThe number is on your policy documents. Many policies ask you to call before hospital treatment, or within a set time.
- In Europe, show your European Health Insurance CardIt gives medically necessary state healthcare on the same terms as locals, in the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland and the UK. It doesn’t cover private care or a flight home.
- Keep every paperMedical reports, prescriptions, itemised invoices and receipts. Your claim needs them.
- Let the insurer arrange any travel homeEvacuation and repatriation are usually arranged, and approved, by the insurer’s assistance team.
Before you go
Save your insurer’s assistance number in your phone, and carry your European Health Insurance Card if you have one. Travel medical insurance, explained.
The three insurers
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Questions
What number do I call in an emergency in Europe?
112 works in every EU country.
Does the European Health Insurance Card replace travel insurance?
No. The European Commission says it doesn’t cover private care, a flight home or lost property.
Do I have to call my insurer before going to hospital?
Many policies ask you to, or to call within a set time. Your policy wording says.
Sources
- European Commission: the European Health Insurance Card
- European Commission: 112, the European emergency number
Rules checked against these sources on 24 Oct 2026.
Keep reading
Updated 2026-10-24.