European Health Insurance Card

The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) has replaced the old E111 form and entitles you to reduced cost (or sometimes free) medical treatment if it becomes necessary while you are travelling in one of the countries of the European Economic Area or Switzerland.

The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) entitles you to reduced cost (or sometimes free) medical treatment if it becomes necessary while you are travelling in one of the following countries:

  • Austria
  • Belgium
  • Cyprus (Greek)
  • Czech Republic
  • Denmark
  • Estonia
  • Finland
  • France
  • Germany
  • Greece
  • Hungary
  • Iceland
  • Ireland
  • Italy
  • Latvia
  • Liechtenstein
  • Lithuania
  • Luxembourg
  • Malta
  • Netherlands
  • Norway
  • Poland
  • Portugal
  • Slovakia
  • Slovenia
  • Spain
  • Sweden
  • Switzerland

How to apply for an EHIC

E111 forms are no longer valid so if you are eligible for cover you will need to apply for a new EHIC. The quickest and easiest way to apply for a card is online at www.ehic.org.uk. You can also apply by phone (tel: 0845 606 2030) or by post using a form from the Post Office. Each person who is travelling will need their own card, and when you apply you will need each person’s name, date of birth and National Insurance number. EHICs are issued by an organisation called the Prescription Pricing Authority and are free of charge. They are normally valid for between 3 and 5 years.

What does an EHIC cover?

The EHIC covers any medical treatment you need during your trip as a result of an illness or an accident. The card only gives you access to the state-provided medical treatment in the country you are visiting, and this might not include all the things you can get free of charge from the NHS here at home. You may also have to pay for a proportion of the cost of your treatment.

The EHIC also covers any treatment you may need for routine maternity care, a chronic disease or a pre-existing illness, although treatments such as kidney dialysis should be arranged before you travel. The card does NOT cover you if the main purpose of your trip is to get medical treatment.

It is always wise to take out comprehensive private insurance for visits to all countries, regardless of whether you are covered by your EHIC.

SUMMARY

  1. EHICs provide reduced cost, or sometimes free, medical cover for UK residents who are travelling in the EEA or Switzerland
  2. Each traveller needs their own card
  3. EHICs are free of charge and valid for 3-5 years
  4. Applications can be made online, by phone or by post

FURTHER INFORMATION

European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) Enquiries Service
PO Box 1114
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE99 2TL
Tel: 0845 605 0707