European Health Insurance Card

European Health Insurance Card

European Health Insurance Card

The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) allows you to get state-provided healthcare in all European Economic Area (EEA) countries and Switzerland at a reduced cost or sometimes free of charge.
You can apply for the card free of charge on the official EHIC website (www.ehic.org.uk). Other unofficial websites may charge you if you apply through them.
The card is valid for up to five years.
Even if you don't plan to travel in the near future, it's a good idea to get one. Find out how to renew or apply for a free EHIC.
What’s covered?

Each country’s healthcare system is slightly different. Therefore, your EHIC might not cover everything that would be free on the NHS. However, you should be able to get the same treatment as a resident of the country you're visiting.
In some countries, you may have to pay a patient contribution, also known as a co-payment. See our county-by-country guide for more information.
You may be able to get a refund for these payments when you're back in the UK if you could not do so in the country where you were treated.
The EHIC will cover any medical treatment that becomes necessary during your trip, for example because of either illness or an accident.
The card gives access to reduced-cost or free medical treatment from state healthcare providers.
It includes treatment of a chronic or pre-existing medical condition that becomes necessary during your visit.
It includes routine maternity care (not only because of illness or accident), as long as you're not going abroad to give birth. However, where the birth happens unexpectedly, the card will cover the cost of all medical treatment for mother and baby that is linked to the birth.
The card covers the provision of oxygen and kidney dialysis. You will have to arrange and pre-book these treatments before you go on holiday. You can ask your GP or hospital for advice, but make sure you are not booked with a private healthcare provider as these are not covered by the EHIC.
The card also covers routine medical care for people with pre-existing conditions that need monitoring.
What's not covered?

The EHIC is not an alternative to travel insurance. It will not cover any private medical healthcare or costs such as mountain rescue in ski resorts, being flown back to the UK, or lost or stolen property. Therefore, it is important to have both an EHIC and a valid private travel insurance policy. Some insurers now insist you hold an EHIC and many will waive the excess if you have one.
The EHIC will not cover your medical expenses if you are going abroad specifically to have treatment (including giving birth). Find out more about planned treatment abroad.
You may not be able to use the card in some parts of the EEA as state-provided healthcare may not be available.
Claiming refunds

Some European health systems expect you to pay your bill when you are treated and then claim a refund using your EHIC. Try to apply for your refund before you return home. Find out how to do this in the country-by-country guide.
If you need to make a claim once you return to the UK, call the Overseas Healthcare Team on 0191 218 1999 (Mondy to Friday, 8am–5pm). You will need your National Insurance number and UK bank or building society details to hand.

European Health Insurance Card

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https://www.ehic.org.uk