Frequently asked questions

Find below some of the most frequent questions about the membership of the ESC.

Membership - what is it?

Why does the ESC and its subspecialty communities have membership schemes for individuals?

The ESC is a member driven organisation, welcoming more than 95,000 healthcare professionals within its global community. Cardiologists and other healthcare professionals become members of the ESC to be part of a society that gives them opportunities to network; access the latest science; use a broad array of services that support their ongoing professional development and represents their interests within the health sector. Many of the ESC’s subspecialty communities also provide membership opportunities to support cardiologists within specific fields of cardiology.

What is a membership package?

The ESC covers the full spectrum of cardiology, offering a tailored membership for each individual. Healthcare professionals can enhance their knowledge in more than one field of expertise by signing up for ESC Professional Membership and Silver Subspecialty Association Membership (or more Silver Subspecialty Association Memberships) at a special price.

How long does the membership last?

ESC Professional Membership and subspecialty association memberships, starting on or after 12 June 2018, follow a twelve month rolling basis.  

FESC, FEHRA and FHFA: memberships follow a calendar basis running to 31 December

Working Group and Council memberships follow a lifetime plan.

How do I check my membership status?

Your membership status can be checked in your "My ESC" Account under "My Membership".

How to join & who can join

I am not a cardiologist, can I join?

Yes, Individual membership is open to all healthcare professionals eager to more fully participate in the ESC community and all it offers.

I am not yet a board certified cardiologist, can I join?

Yes, if you are still in training to become a board certified cardiologist, you can join and benefit from a preferential rate.

I am not a member of an ESC National Cardiac Society, can I join?

Due to the special relationship the ESC has with its founding member societies, if you are a cardiologist working in an ESC Member Country, you must first be a member of ESC National Cardiac Society before becoming an ESC Professional Member. This requirement does not apply to non-cardiologists, or cardiologists working in a non-ESC Member Country. Neither does it apply to join a subspecialty association.

How do I become an ESC Professional Member?

Join online at www.escardio.org/membership

I wish to purchase a membership on behalf of someone else

Please contact us (Category: Membership) or by phone at +33 (0)4 89 87 20 60

I am a Fellow of the ESC, can I also join a subspecialty Association?

Yes, you can sign-up to any membership offer. Note that some of the ESC Associations also offer a Fellowship which may also be of interest if you wish to be recognised as a Fellow in your specialty.

Why do I have to pay for access to certain resources - shouldn’t they be free?

ESC is a not-for-profit organisation. Many of the resources are produced with the help of ESC volunteers, who give their time free of charge, but there is a cost to producing and maintaining resources. Whilst it would be great if all resources could be provided for free, these costs must be covered. ESC designs membership packages to be good value for money and often individual benefits included in the package are more expensive when purchased outside of membership. Preferential rates on membership are available for cardiologists in training in order to ensure that the price to access resources is not prohibitive.

Payment

I would like to renew my membership automatically, how can I set this up?

During the joining or renewal process, you have the option to opt-in to automatically renew your membership by credit or debit card.

How can I get my invoice?

Invoices are available after payment under "My Orders" in your My ESC Account. Should you require an invoice prior to payment, please contact us (Category: Membership) and you will be issued a proforma invoice. 

Can I pay my membership by bank transfer?

The most efficient way to pay your fees is by credit or debit card via your My ESC Account. However, in certain circumstances we can accept payment by bank transfer. If you need to make payment by bank transfer, contact us in advance (Category: Membership)

I represent an Institution, Agency or Company, how can I pay a membership for a doctor?

Please contact us (Category: Membership) or by phone at +33 (0)4 89 87 20 60 to arrange payment.

I want to be a Member but I can’t afford it. Do you offer any financial support?

Special rates are available if you are under 40 years of age or in training.

Benefits

What are my membership benefits?

You can find the list of your membership benefits in your My ESC Account. For an overview of all membership benefits please visit www.escardio.org/membership

How can I access my membership benefits?

You can access your membership benefits in your My ESC Account; watch the video to see how!

How can I get my membership card?

All your digital Membership cards are available in your My ESC Account under the "My Membership", My membership cards section.

How can I get my membership certificate?

Digital Membership certificates are available for Ivory, Silver, Gold, Professional and Professional Plus membership levels. They can be found under "My Membership" in your My ESC Account.

Don't hesitate to contact us if your certificate is missing.

The ESC does not issue printed membership certificates.