One year on, over 30 million EU citizens have opted to carry the European Health Insurance Card, instead of the EU health document, the E111.
The card was launched in June 2004 to simplify access to necessary medical care when travelling in other EU states. Since then over 13 countries have grabbed hold of the idea. In countries such as Sweden, there has been a 600% increase in the number of people holding the card, compared to those who carried the E111.
According to e-Gov monitor the latest figures show that the highest numbers of cards issued were in, the Czech Republic, Germany and Sweden, where a combined total of over 23 million people have opted to use the card. Obtaining the card has been made even easier in the EU states of Ireland, Norway and Sweden where the card can now be ordered online.
The high uptake of the card has prompted the UK to bring their launch date forward from December to September 2005.