The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
A European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) entitles you to free or reduced-cost medical treatment in a European Economic Area (EEA) country or Switzerland. The EEA includes all European Union countries as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway.
What the EHIC covers
The EHIC is usually valid for five years and covers any medical treatment necessary as a result of an accident or illness. The card entitles you to state-run medical services only, and you will be treated on the same basis as an 'insured citizen’ of the country you are visiting.
This may not cover all the treatment and services you would usually get free of charge from the NHS, and you may have to contribute to the cost of your care.
What the EHIC does not cover
The EHIC is not a substitute for travel insurance. You are strongly recommended to take out a private travel insurance policy before you travel.
The EHIC does not cover:
- the cost of bringing you back to the UK
- the cost of private healthcare or services that are not part of the country’s healthcare system (for example, many European countries have private ambulance services that charge a fee for taking someone to hospital)
If you are travelling abroad to receive medical treatment (including giving birth), the EHIC will not cover your treatment.
Eligibility
All UK residents are eligible to apply for an EHIC, although it is not valid for people who are going to live abroad. Some non-UK nationals may not be entitled to treatment in Denmark, Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein or Switzerland. Check with the government of your home country for further advice.
Applying for an EHIC
The quickest way to get an EHIC is to apply for an EHIC online. Applying for an EHIC is free and you should not to have to pay a fee.
Your card will usually arrive within seven days. You can also apply by phone (0845 606 2030) or by post using an application form available from some Post Offices.
Further information can be found within the Common Health Question 'How do I get an EHIC (European Health Insurance Card)?'
Last updated: 26 April 2012
Continue to next section: Health risks when travelling