09/07/2009 (Agence Europe) - In a press release on Thursday 9 July, the European Commission states that the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) now held by 180 million Europeans is five years old. Citizens of 31 European countries may use the card to gain access to medical care if they fall ill or have an accident in one of the participating countries (EU, Norway, Liechtenstein, Iceland and Switzerland). Nearly 35% of Europeans now hold an EHIC, which simplifies procedures and reduces administrative formalities linked to medical treatment during a temporary stay abroad. There are, however, major differences from one country to the next. In Italy, Austria, the Czech Republic and Switzerland almost the whole population have an EHIC compared to fewer than 5% in Bulgaria, Romania, Greece, Poland and Spain. This difference can be partially explained by the fact that, in some countries such as Italy, Austria and the Czech Republic, the EHIC has been integrated on the reverse side of the national health insurance card. (O.J./transl.jl)