IDEMIA to supply the new generation of German health cards

IDEMIA is the first and only supplier to provide Germany with three different health cards, all of which are based on the new generation of technology labeled generation 2.1. Integrating NFC capabilities, these smart cards will make health care communication more efficient and attractive for all users, both the medical profession and the patients, making IDEMIA play a major role in supporting the digitalization of health care in Germany.

A renewed long-term partnership with German Health authorities

The range of health cards approved by Gematik includes:

• the HBA, a health card for medical professionals such as doctors, dentists, hospital staff, pharmacists, etc.
• the SMCB, an ID card for specific medical organizations such as hospitals, clinics, doctor’s offices, etc.
• the eGK, an electronic health card for health insured residents

During the last nine years, IDEMIA has provided over 70 million eGK cards to more than 20 customers in the health sector – primarily insurance organizations. Similarly, IDEMIA is in the process of increasing the provision of HBA and SMCB cards – there are currently one million cards in circulation.

Furthermore, a trusted service provider has selected IDEMIA as the new smartcard technology provider. IDEMIA will print full-sized smartcards and deliver software components and personalization services. The trusted service provider will manage the enrollment and issuing processes.

Making health care communication more efficient

The Ministry of Health in Germany is actively trying to facilitate sharing health care transmissions for all users. Until recently, only residents could use their eGK health card for health care telematics at the doctor’s office. From 2021, it is planned that health care professionals will manage the following applications electronically: doctor to doctor communication and prescriptions, and patient record services. Soon general practitioners, dentists, pharmacists, psychotherapists, etc. will be able to use their health card to participate in services and access applications in health care telematics. For this reason, reading dual-interface health cards using NFC capabilities will soon be commonplace.