Anything can happen when you travel, especially if you are travelling with children. We compiled a list of frequently asked questions and their answers for how to prepare for getting sick when travelling in Europe as a family with children.

Does my child need a European Health Insurance Card?

Yes. Children must also have their own European Health Insurance Card, as the card is personal.

Make sure that each family member has their European Health Insurance Card with them when you travel.

If you fall ill or have an accident while travelling, the European Health Insurance Card gives you access to treatment that cannot wait until you return home.

By presenting the card, you or your child will receive treatment on the same terms and at the same price as local residents. This means that you pay the only local client fee for the treatment.

You can order a European Health Insurance Card free of charge from Kela. Order European Health Insurance Cards for the children and adults well before your trip.

The European Health Insurance Card can be used in the public health care of EU and EEA countries, the United Kingdom and Switzerland, and in places with an agreement with public health care.

Do we need travel insurance if all family members have European Health Insurance Cards?

Travel insurance and the European Health Insurance Card complement each other, and you can take out travel insurance for extra cover.

The European Health Insurance Card does not cover interrupted travel and special arrangements for return travel due to incidences such as illness.

Travel insurance can cover the costs if you or a family member has to come home on an ambulance flight, for example.

Before you leave for your trip, check what your travel insurance policy covers and that it also covers the children travelling with you.

How do I pack the medicines my family needs while travelling?

Pack the medicines you need in your hand luggage and keep them in their original packaging when you travel with your family.

If you are packing prescription medicines, please also bring

• a signed copy of the prescriptions in English. You can get it from a pharmacy or the doctor who wrote the prescription.
• an explanation of the medication and the reasons for it. You can get it from the doctor who wrote the prescription.

Consider whether you will also need to bring information on your diagnosis or a copy of your medical history translated into English or the language of the country of destination.

There are restrictions on travelling with some medicines. So take note of these things too:

• If you travel in the Schengen region and are in the possession of narcotic or psychotropic medicines, you will need to bring a Schengen certificate for your medicines with you. For example, some ADHD medicines require a Schengen certificate.
• You can obtain a Schengen certificate at a pharmacy. You can also ask your pharmacist if you are not sure whether you need a Schengen certificate for your medicine.
• Find out in advance from customs in your destination whether you can bring the medicine you need into the country. If you are travelling to your destination via another country, familiarise yourself with the restrictions of that country as well.

How to prepare for illness or accidents while travelling

When travelling with children, be prepared for illnesses and accidents like this:

• Find out in advance where the nearest hospital or health centre is to your accommodation.
• Discover the health services in your destination on our country-specific pages.
• Find out the emergency number of your destination before you travel and save it on your mobile phone. The emergency number in all EU countries is 112. In Norway, Switzerland, the UK, Israel, Russia and Turkey, the emergency number is also 112.
• If family members have allergies, learn the names of allergenic foods in the local language of your destination, so you can recognise them from a restaurant menu, for example.
• Pack painkillers suitable for children, plasters, had sanitizer and any prescription medicines you need.
• You can often buy any basic medicines your family needs at your destination. Remember that medicines and dosages sold abroad may be different from those in Finland.

Good preparation gives you peace of mind when travelling with children

Careful preparation will make your journey safer and more comfortable.

With your European Health Insurance Card in your pocket and your insurance and medication in order, you can focus on what matters most – enjoying the trip with your family.

The Contact Point for Cross-Border Health Care wishes you and your family a good trip!