The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) allows you to access state-provided healthcare in all European Economic Area (EEA) countries and Switzerland at a reduced cost or sometimes free of charge.
Everyone who is resident in the UK should have one and carry it with them when travelling abroad. Remember to check your EHIC is still valid before you travel. Applying for the card is free and it's valid for up to five years.
Presenting the EHIC entitles you to treatment that may become necessary during your trip, but doesn't allow you to go abroad specifically to receive medical care. However, maternity care, renal dialysis and managing the symptoms of pre-existing or chronic conditions that arise while abroad are all covered by the EHIC.
Your EHIC will allow you access to the same state-provided healthcare as a resident of the country you are visiting. However, many countries expect the patient to pay towards their treatment, and even with an EHIC, you might be expected to do the same. You may be able to seek reimbursement for this cost when you are back in the UK if you are not able to do so in the other country.
The EHIC is NOT an alternative to travel insurance. It will not cover any private medical healthcare or the cost of things such as mountain rescue in ski resorts, repatriation to the UK or lost or stolen property.
For these reasons and others, 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.
Applying for an EHIC is easy. Even if you don't have any plans to travel in the near future, it is always a good idea to get one.
Renew or apply for your free EHIC now
European Health Insurance Card
See what can happen if you go on holiday without a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
Last reviewed: 30/04/2009
Next review due: 29/04/2011
New EU regulations
If you live in another European Union member state, and the United Kingdom covers the cost of your healthcare, the UK may be responsible for the issue of your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) from May 1 2010.
Click here for more information.
EHIC notification
The UK has notified all European member states that from 1 April 2008, their citizens will be expected to show an EHIC in order to access necessary hospital treatment without charge.
If overseas visitors are not able to do this, they will be liable for NHS charges. Any prescriptions issued will still be chargeable unless the patient is covered by one of the NHS exemptions.
