How does the European Health Insurance Card work?

On January 01, 2006, the E111 form was replaced by the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) which gives its carriers access to state-provided medical treatment in the country they are visiting. Effectively, holding an EHIC means you will be treated in the same way as an insured person who lives in the country you are visiting. Bear in mind however, that everything you expect to be covered on the NHS may not necessarily be covered free of charge in the country you are visiting - even with an EHIC it may still be necessary to contribute to the cost of your care.

Some European health systems will ask you to pay a bill upfront and then make a claim for a refund. It is best to do this while still in the country you are visiting - visit the NHS choices website for country-specific information on the procedures you must follow. However, should you need to wait until you are back in the UK you can call 0191 218 1999 (Mon-Fri 8am-5pm).

An EHIC is free, valid for five years and will cover treatment you need for chronic diseases or pre-existing illnesses that becomes necessary during your visit. However, it will not cover you if getting medical treatment is the main purpose of your trip.

If you are likely to require kidney dialysis during your trip, you should contact your NHS renal unit prior to travelling. In addition, if you are likely to require oxygen therapy you should contact the Department of Health's Customer Service Centre on 020 7210 4850.

For pregnant travellers whose specific purpose is to travel abroad to have a baby, you must fill out an E112 form in addition to carrying an EHIC. The EHIC will only cover you for routine maternity care.

Whatever the purpose of your trip, you are strongly advised to take out private travel insurance in addition to carrying the EHIC - a good policy should cover you for any contribution that is not reimbursable by the EHIC. The EHIC does not cover elements such as mountain rescue in ski resorts, lost or stolen property, or repatriation to the UK, all of which should be covered by a good travel insurance policy.

Where does the EHIC cover?

The EEA consists of the European Union (EU) countries plus Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. Switzerland applies the EHIC arrangements through an agreement with the EU. The EHIC is valid in:

Austria  Greece  Netherlands 
Belgium  Hungary Norway 
Bulgaria Iceland  Poland 
Cyprus (not Northern Cyprus)  Ireland  Portugal 
Czech Republic  Italy  Romania 
Denmark  Latvia  Slovakia 
Estonia  Liechtenstein  Slovenia 
Finland  Lithuania  Spain 
France Luxemburg  Sweden 
Germany  Malta  Swtizerland 

Get a new travel insurance quote now

Who is eligible for an EHIC?

UK residents are entitled to a UK-issued EHIC. It is not valid for people who are going to live abroad. The only restrictions are as follows:

  • 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, 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. They are covered for emergency treatment only in Iceland.
  • Swiss nationals are covered in all EU countries but not in Norway or Liechtenstein. They are only covered for emergency treatment in Iceland.
  • Dependants of EEA nationals who are ordinarily resident in the UK are covered in all EEA countries and Switzerland, regardless of their own nationality.

Do I need this as well as travel insurance?

Many travel insurance policies are only valid if you have an EHIC when travelling to an EU country. It should not be seen as an alternative to travel insurance, as it does not cover baggage, repatriation, cancellation, etc. A good travel insurance policy should also cover you for any medical care contribution that is not reimbursable by the EHIC.

To apply for a free European Health Insurance Card, please click here.