The electronic health cards receives a proper introduction in this volume. In the patients’ hands, the new German card will constitute the key to cross-sectoral co-operation among the stakeholders in the healthcare system. Indeed, it intends to be the basis of and gateway to other important health telematics applications. This publication makes transparent the current state of work surrounding the introduction of health cards and of telematics infrastructures and provides an initial survey of the various test projects under way in Germany. Another priority is the promotion of social acceptance based on secure data protection and the benefits to be expected for patients. Additional aims were to promote public awareness of advanced telematics applications and their concrete benefits as well as to enhance the planning security to invest both for industry and its clients. The international perspective focussed on experience reports and the sharing of concepts, especially with our neighbouring countries. With a view to the introduction of a European (electronic) health insurance card and its updating concepts, the focus is on national telematics strategies that need to be co-ordinated at the European level to forestall the emergence of any new borders in the electronic world.