Travelling in the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland

The European Economic Area (EEA) is a free trade zone between countries of the European Union (EU), Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein. The regulations on access to healthcare in the EEA also apply in Switzerland.

Your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) lets you get state healthcare at a reduced cost or sometimes free. It will cover you for treatment that is needed to allow you to continue your stay until your planned return. It also covers you for treatment of pre-existing medical conditions and for routine maternity care, as long as you're not going abroad to give birth.

The rules are different if you intend to move abroad or are going abroad specifically to have treatment. Read about moving abroad or planning medical treatment abroad before you read the details of the country you're visiting.

Each EEA country listed below has specific guidance on how to access healthcare or claim refunds.

If you find yourself in an emergency during your visit in Europe dial 112. The European emergency number is valid all in all EU/ EEA member states and is free of charge. You can use it to reach emergency services such as ambulance or police from any telephone or mobile phone free of charge.

Select the country you intend to visit:

Comments

12 Comments about ‘Travelling in the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland’

Our rules:

Comments are personal views. Any information they give has not been checked and may not be accurate.

Janet739 said on 03 February 2012

I am travelling to Spain shortly and have an ileostomy. Whilst I have the IA travel card and states that a letter may also be required from my Doctor. As the card clearly states what the ileostomy is what further information should be included in the Doctor's letter, please.
I have had the ileostomy for almost 50 years so do know how to handle this and any upsets which may occur.

Martin Shore said on 12 January 2012

I would like to know if I can use my EHIC in the caribbean island St Martin . This is part of France , like Martinique and Guadaloup .
Can you tell me ?

Trip1 said on 09 January 2012

I am currently travelling Europe for 12 months with my partner. I have just confirmed that I am 7 weeks pregnant. I have had mis carriages before and so donot want to rush home, as it is early days yet. However what test and medical support would I be likely to be able to get whilst abroad. I have an EHIC card and medical insurance.

remah said on 27 October 2011

AlbusDumbledore,

Regarding your comments on the Tenerife/EHIC querie on the 10th October 2011, isthis a factual answer of your own pesonal opinion.

dugoutpaddy said on 14 October 2011

We are travelling to Cape Verde and I'm not sure if it is a reublic or part of portugal? any advice?

Cheers

AlbusDumbledore said on 10 October 2011

yes tenerife is classed as part of spain therefore you will be covered as its in the EU

and also the Canary Islands is also covered under the EHIC as it is classed as mainland Spain

amynutton said on 08 October 2011

Hi, we are going to Tenerife in a couple of weeks, is this covered under Spain or not? I know some class the Canary Islands as Spain and some don't so its slightly confusing lol

thanks

AlbusDumbledore said on 16 September 2011

No, Turkey is not Covered

The card is only valid in the above countries stated.

patriciaj27 said on 16 September 2011

are these cards valid in turkey as we are going soon

AlbusDumbledore said on 16 September 2011

In regards to your daugther thats travelling to Tunisia, The Health Card would not be valid.

As long as she has her comprehensive travel insurance im sure she will be fine.

And regards to your comment spiderlen was it a State Hospital that you were treated at?? was it an EU country covered by the Health Card??

If it was you may be able to claim a refund

I recommend applying for a card renewal first on 0845 606 2030 then when your card arrives contact the Department for Work and Pensions on 0191 218 1999 and go through on option number 1.

They may be able to help refund you will the money.

Hope it works out for you man!!

spiderlen said on 01 September 2011

My wife has had treatment resently, but we found out that her E111 card had expired on 21/06/2011, and we had to pay the hospital 60 euro's and then 15 euro's for the prescription, my wife is over 65, can I reclaim the money that has been paid.

fone said on 18 July 2011

My daughter is travelling to tunisia and I would like to know whether her E111 covers this country. If not is there anything she should take with her. Had relevant injections and has travel insurance.

Thanks

Last reviewed: 11/08/2011

Next review due: 11/08/2013

Contacts

Apply for a free EHIC online at www.ehic.org.uk.

The EHIC is entirely free of charge. However, other unofficial websites may charge you if you apply through them.

If you're having difficulties with the online application form or want to update your personal details, call the automated service on 0845 606 2030.

For general enquiries about the EHIC, to replace a lost or stolen card, or to claim refunds, call the Overseas Healthcare Team on 0191 218 1999. If you're calling from abroad, ring +44 191 218 1999.

EHIC: packing for your holiday

Be prepared for your holiday, and make sure you have a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). It costs nothing to apply for or renew an EHIC. For more information call the Overseas Healthcare Team on 0191 218 1999, or visit the website at www.ehic.org.uk.

Country-by-country guide