The Health Service Executive (HSE) has warned of a ‘bogus’ website unnecessarily charging a €22 fee to process applications for a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
The website, www.ehic-card.eu, also asks applicants to submit credit card details and personal information such as PPS number and email address.
The HSE has confirmed that there is no charge involved in applying for or renewing an EHIC card and this can be done through its own website, www.ehic.ie , or at any of its local health offices nationwide.
The EHIC allows access to heath services for Irish residents who are injured or become ill while on a temporary stay in any EU/EEA (European economic area) country or in Switzerland.
In a statement, the HSE said: “It has come to the attention of the HSE that Irish residents are being targeted by a website which is unnecessarily charging people to apply for EHIC cards. The bogus site concerned — www.ehic-card.eu — is not connected to the HSE and gives the impression that people should pay €22 to apply for an EHIC. It encourages users to enter significant personal data, including PPSN and laser or credit card details.”
The website is still active as of today and features as one of the sponsored links on the Google search engine. No mailing address or contact number is available for the website.
By Niall Byrne
