What can the Electronic Health card do - and how secure is it?

Some insured persons are concerned about their personal data when using digital services - for example the Electronic Health Card (eGK). However, Kevin Röthel, an expert in digital solutions in the healthcare sector, knows that there is a secure system behind it. Together we will explain how the card works, what advantages it offers you - and why you have nothing to worry about when using it.

The Electronic Health Card (eGK) is the official proof of your health insurance - as a person with statutory health insurance, it gives you access to all the services provided by your health insurance company at doctors' surgeries or in hospital. It is used to compare data and confirm insurance cover at the doctor's surgery. It also has many other advantages: "The eGK has a service function for many digital applications, for example the paperless filling of an e-prescription at the pharmacy," says Kevin Röthel, team leader of the Telematics eSolutions department at AOK Rheinland/Hamburg. "It is small, handy and yet secure. And it enables service providers and health apps to read out insured persons' data quickly." Since the introduction of the eGK in 2014, it has replaced many paper-based processes and driven forward digitalization in the healthcare sector.

ePA, eGK - there is a risk of confusion. What is actually the difference between the two digital applications? "The data on the eGK mainly relates to the customer's so-called insurance master data, i.e. name, date of birth and address," explains Röthel. "In the Electronic Patient record (ePA), on the other hand, medical data of the insured person and the service provider are stored." The eGK therefore functions like a key to other applications such as the ePA or the e-prescription.

You may be wondering whether you have to use the eGK. The answer is yes. Because "the law provides for the eGK as an identification document", says Röthel. You will automatically receive the card from your AOK without having to apply for it. If the validity expires, your AOK will provide you with a new one immediately. "If you lose it, all it takes is a few clicks in the online office or a call to one of our service units." Even if not everyone is aware of it: "Every customer of AOK Rheinland/Hamburg has a valid Electronic Health Card (eGK)."

Many insured persons are concerned about the security of their data stored on the health card. However, this is a very secure system: "Access to the insured person's master data takes place via the so-called telematics infrastructure (TI) - the secure data highway in the healthcare sector. It guarantees a data protection-compliant exchange of data between customers, health insurers and service providers. The certificates on the card chip in combination with your photograph protect the card against misuse by third parties." According to Kevin Röthel, there is therefore no cause for concern.

As the digitalization of the healthcare system progresses, the healthcare card is also constantly evolving. In future, insured persons will be able to choose between the eGK and an alternative: the digital identity (IDP). "This is a type of digital account in the healthcare system. The security of the IDP will be in no way inferior to the eGK. In terms of sustainability, the aim should be to replace the popular card, which is now made from recycled plastic, with the digital identity - but the choice is of course also up to our policyholders." 

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