Food poisoning in Germany, a moped accident in Turkey or sunstroke in Greece: medical treatment on vacation can be very expensive. "The e-card is only valid for doctors and hospitals who have a health insurance contract," warns AK Lower Austria social law expert Josef Fraunbaum and advises thinking about health insurance before you travel and, if in doubt, take out travel insurance.

One would think that it applies everywhere: The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) on the back of the e-card. It is recognized in the EU, as well as in practically all European countries that are not in the EU. However, it gets very complicated very quickly in the details. "In Serbia, Bosnia and Montenegro you have to present the card to the responsible social insurance agency before treatment and get a treatment certificate that is customary in the area," explains AK Lower Austria social law expert Josef Fraunbaum.

The e-card is not valid in Turkey. A care slip is required there, which is available from the employer or from the ÖGK. This must be exchanged for a local health insurance certificate.

Cash instead of e-card

In countries where the e-card is not valid, you have to pay the doctor's bill yourself for the time being. Upon presentation of the bill, your local health insurance will reimburse up to 80 percent of the costs that would have been incurred for comparable treatment at home. "Find out whether you have accident and health insurance through your credit card or your 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 E-Card applies, deductibles or upfront payments may apply.

AK Tips: If you have to pay for treatment abroad:

Ask for an invoice

• detailed list of the services rendered (e.g. injection, stitching up the wound...) and medication
• Name and address of the practitioner
• Disclosure of taxes and duties.

The more detailed, the more the health insurance company can reimburse. Have the invoice issued in German or English. Submit the invoice and proof of payment.