EHIC - European Health Insurance Card

The EHIC has replaced the old E111. From 1 January 2006, E111s are no longer valid. The quickest and easiest way to get an EHIC is to apply online. Alternatively, you can apply by calling 0845 606 2030 or picking up a form from the post office.

The EHIC and holiday insurance are complementary and you are advised to have both. The EHIC does not cover some costs such as repatriation. Some insurance companies require you to have an EHIC and some companies will waive the excess charge if an EHIC has been used.

{Not all UK residents are covered in Denmark, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland - see the eligibility details below to check this}

The Department of Health working with the NHS Prescription Pricing Authority (PPA) provides the EHIC free of charge. To receive your genuine EHIC apply directly through the PPA’s website: https://www.ehic.org.uk

What does the EHIC Cover?

The EHIC is normally valid for three to five years and covers any medical treatment that becomes necessary during your trip, because of either illness or an accident. The card gives access to state-provided medical treatment only, and you'll be treated on the same basis as an 'insured' person living in the country you're visiting. Remember, this might not cover all the things you'd expect to get free of charge from the NHS in the UK. You may have to make a contribution to the cost of your care.

The EHIC also covers any treatment you need for a chronic disease or pre-existing illness. You need to make arrangements in advance for kidney dialysis and oxygen therapy. To arrange for kidney dialysis while you're away, contact your NHS renal unit in the UK before you travel. For limited information on oxygen supply services in the EEA countries and Switzerland, call the Department of Health's Customer Service Centre on 020 7210 4850.

Remember that the EHIC won't cover you if getting medical treatment is the main purpose of your trip. You are advised to take out comprehensive private insurance for visits to all countries, regardless of whether you are covered by your EHIC.

Your EHIC should cover you for routine maternity care while you are away. However, if you are going to an EEA country or Switzerland specifically to have your baby, you will need an E112 form - see the 'Non-emergency treatment section ' for more information click here to view this section in a seperate page.

DID YOU KNOW?

Who is eligible for an EHIC?

People who are ordinarily resident in the UK are entitled to a UK-issued EHIC. It is not valid for people who are going to live abroad. There are some restrictions, depending on your nationality:

UK and other EU nationals, stateless persons and refugees are covered in all EEA countries and Switzerland. However, if you are a national of Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia, your EHIC is not valid in Switzerland.
nationals of Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway are covered in all EEA countries but not in Switzerland.
people who do not have UK, EU, EEA or Swiss nationality are covered in all EU countries but not in Denmark, Norway, Liechtenstein or Switzerland. In Iceland, these people are covered for emergency treatment only.
Swiss nationals are covered in all EU countries but not in Liechtenstein or Norway. In Iceland they are covered for emergency treatment only.
dependants of EEA nationals who are ordinarily resident in the UK are covered in all EEA countries and Switzerland, irrespective of their own nationality.

The 'Other circumstances affecting eligibility' section of the UK department of health website contains further information about eligibility for other groups - including people who are planning to live, work or study in an EEA country or Switzerland - click here to view this section in a seperate window.

FAQ's - Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if my personal details change?

If something changes, such as:

You get married, which results in a name change
You have a new addition to the family

Please let us know and we will record this information and, where appropriate, issue a new card. You can contact our enquiry line on 0845 605 0707 or write to us at:

EHIC Enquiries
PO Box 1114
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE99 2TL

Who is entitled to an EHIC?

Any person who is ordinarily resident in the UK, is eligible for an EHIC. However, you must be over 16 years of age in order to apply. Residents of the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man are not eligible.

Is there any charge for an EHIC?

There is no charge.

Why do I need an EHIC if I have travel insurance?

Will my partner and children need separate cards?

Yes. Every family member requires a card.

How do I claim a refund?

Should you be unfortunate enough to need treatment that becomes medically necessary during your visit, you should seek to claim reimbursement before you return. Visit http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Policyandguidance/Healthadvicefortravellers/index.htm for country-specific information regarding this, or pick up a copy of the ‘Health Advice for Travellers’ booklet at the Post Office. If you can’t claim while you are away you should contact the following upon your return to the UK:

The Department for Work & Pensions
International Pension Centre
Tyneview Park
Whitley Road
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE98 1BA.

Tel: 0191 218 7547 (Monday to Friday 08.00-20.00).

What does the EHIC cover?

The EHIC covers treatment provided by the state healthcare scheme in the country you are visiting. It does not cover repatriation costs. If you need more specific information about:

What treatment is covered
How much is covered
How to use card
How to get treatment abroad

Visit http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Policyandguidance/Healthadvicefortravellers/Gettingtreatmentaroundtheworld/EEAandSwitzerland/DH_4114793 or pick up a copy of the ‘Health Advice for Travellers’ booklet at the Post Office.

What happens if I lose my card?

If you lose your card, call the EHIC Enquiries Line on 0845 605 0707. If calling from abroad +44 191 203 5555.

Alternatively write to us at: