Food poisoning in Germany, a moped accident in Turkey or sunstroke in Greece: Medical treatment on holiday can be very expensive. "The E-Card is only valid for doctors and hospitals that have a health insurance contract," warns AK Lower Austria social law expert Josef Fraunbaum, advising people to think about health insurance before travelling and, if in doubt, to take out travel insurance. You would think that it is valid everywhere: the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) on the back of the E-Card. It is recognised in the EU, as well as in practically all European countries that are not in the EU. However, the details quickly become very complicated. "In Serbia, Bosnia and Montenegro, you must present the card to the responsible social insurance provider before treatment and obtain a local treatment certificate," explains AK Lower Austria social law expert Josef Fraunbaum. The E-Card is not valid in Turkey. A care certificate is required there, which can be obtained from your employer or from the ÖGK. This must be exchanged for a local health insurance card. Cash instead of E-Card In countries where the E-Card is not valid, the doctor's bill must initially be paid by the patient themselves. The local health insurance will then reimburse up to 80 percent of the costs that would have been incurred for comparable treatment at home upon presentation of the bill. "Find out whether you have accident and health insurance through your credit card or automobile club," advises the AK social law expert, "if you want to be on the safe side, you can take out private travel insurance for your vacation." Even in countries where the E-Card is valid, deductibles or advance payments may apply. AK tips: If you have to pay for treatment abroad: