A European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) entitles a person to necessary health care in the public system of any EU/EEA Member State and Switzerland, if they become ill or injured while on a temporary stay (e.g. a holiday) in that country. A person can obtain a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) from the Health Service Executive in Ireland if they are ordinarily resident in Ireland or an EU national employed in Ireland. It is not necessary for an Irish person to hold an EHIC to get necessary health care while on a temporary visit to the United Kingdom, it is enough to show proof that they are ordinarily resident in Ireland. In practice, this means a driving licence, passport or similar document.
Where an Irish person travels outside of the European Union\EEA and Switzerland they are advised to obtain appropriate travel\health insurance prior to travelling.