With the summer holiday just around the corner, Udbetaling Danmark (the Danish National Social Appeals Board) is now urging Danish citizens to check the expiration date on their blue health insurance card. Up to 1.6 million of these cards need to be renewed this year, as they have expired or are soon to expire. The blue health insurance card, which is valid in all EU countries as well as Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland, ensures the holder access to health services on the same terms as the citizens of the visited country. The card, which is valid for five years, is therefore essential for Danes planning to travel within these countries. Kristine Steenhuus, CEO of Udbetaling Danmark, emphasizes the importance of being proactive. “The delivery time for the blue EU health insurance card can be up to three weeks. Therefore, it is wise to order new cards for the whole family well in advance, to avoid unpleasant surprises just before departure,” she says. She adds that there is no need to renew the card if you do not plan to travel this year. However, for those who are planning to travel, it is also important to be aware of the specific health regulations that apply in the country being visited, and possibly supplement with travel insurance for additional coverage. If you should end up paying for health services abroad, it is the Danish Patient Safety Authority and the regional health authorities that are responsible for refunding the expenses. With several cards needing to be renewed this year after a large turnover in 2019, it is important to stay ahead of the renewal so that the holiday can be enjoyed without worries about health coverage.

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