The European health insurance card is used during a temporary stay in a member State other than the member State of insurance, whatever the purpose of the stay (business or non-business) or the cardholder’s status (employed, retired, unemployed, student, etc.)
The EHIC is personal, made out in the holder’s name and free of charge. Each separate member of a family traveling must have his/her own card, including children under the age of 16. Cards issued by France are valid for 2 years (length may vary by member States).
If you cannot have your EHIC delivered prior to departure, you can ask for a provisional certificate to be delivered. It has a 3-month validity period.