12/07/2013 (Agence Europe) - Two out of five Europeans have a European health insurance card (EHIC). In 2012, over 190 million people held an EHIC - in other words, 15 million more than in the year before. Valid in the European Union, Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein, the EHIC guarantees access to emergency care in the host country's public healthcare system on the same terms and at the same cost as the citizens of that country. This enables EHIC holders to save time and money if they fall ill or get injured abroad, says European Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion Laszlo Andor. Public hospitals are obliged to accept the EHIC. Should it be refused, patients should contact the health authority of the country visited, then that of their country of origin if the EHIC is still refused. As a last resort, the European Commission can initiate infringements proceedings. (LM/transl.fl)