Check that your EHIC is still valid before you travel. Applying for the card is free. You can renew an EHIC up to six months before the expiry date. However, any time left on the card will not be added to your new card. An EHIC is valid for five years.
Renew or apply for your free EHIC and go abroad knowing you are more prepared.
Remember to check the expiry date on your EHIC before you travel. Residents of the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man are not eligible for an EHIC.
How to apply
There are several ways to apply for an EHIC. The quickest way is to apply online at www.ehic.org.uk. It's free to apply for the card. However, other unofficial websites may charge you if you apply through them.
You can also apply by phoning the automated service on 0845 606 2030.
Alternatively, you can download an application form (PDF, 122Kb) and return it to the NHS Business Services Authority (see below for the address), who process all applications. You cannot use this application form if you live outside the UK.
Your card will normally arrive within seven days if you apply using the official process.
You can apply for yourself or on behalf of your partner and any dependant children in full-time education under the age of 19. If you are under 16, a parent or guardian will need to apply for you. Boarding school teaching staff can apply on behalf of any children in their care.
Each person you apply for will need to give their:
- full name
- date of birth
- National Insurance or NHS number (CHI number in Scotland or Health and Care Number in Northern Ireland)
Temporary National Insurance numbers are not valid. A temporary National Insurance number uses the prefix 'TN', the date of birth and M or F to denote gender (for example TN131160M). These are no longer accepted and cannot be used to apply for an EHIC.
If you need to update your personal details or add a dependant, speak to the EHIC enquiries team on 0845 606 2030.
When you cannot apply online
If you are ordinarily resident in the UK but you are not a national of the UK, EEA or Switzerland, you cannot apply online. The only way to apply for a UK-issued EHIC card is by post. You must provide evidence that you are ordinarily resident in the UK. Proof of entitlement could be your visa, a letter from the Home Office, a letter from your employer or an approved A1, S1, E101, E106 or E109 form.
Complete the EHIC application form (PDF, 122Kb) and post it to:
NHS Business Services Authority
European Health Insurance Card
EHIC Applications
Sandyford House
Archbold Terrace
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE2 1BF
You will also need to apply by post if:
- You receive a state pension or other long-term benefit from the UK and live in another EU member state (see EU regulations).
- You are dependent on a citizen working in the UK and live in another EU member state (see EU regulations).
- You are already working abroad but remain UK employed or self-employed.
- You are studying abroad.
The EHIC application form is different for people living abroad. If you live abroad, contact the Overseas Healthcare Team on +44 191 218 1999 and ask for the correct form to be sent to you.
Complete the form and post it to the NHS Business Services Authority at the address above.
Replacing an EHIC
If you need to replace a lost EHIC, call 0845 606 2030.
If your EHIC is lost or stolen while you are abroad, you or someone on your behalf should apply for a Provisional Replacement Certificate (PRC). This will give you the same cover as an EHIC until you return home. To apply, call the Overseas Healthcare Team on +44 191 218 1999 (Monday to Friday, 8am–5pm). It's a good idea to save this number in your phone.
To get a PRC, you will need to provide your name, address, date of birth and National Insurance or NHS number (CHI number in Scotland or Health and Care Number in Northern Ireland).
