What is a European Health Insurance Card? (EHIC)

The free European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) gives you access to reduced cost or free state-provided medical treatment in all 27 EU countries, so if you’re planning to travel to Europe on holiday it’s well worth having. The card entitles you to the same treatment that local citizens are entitled to, so if their local healthcare is free you won’t have to pay anything either.

 

Key facts about the EHIC

• The EHIC card is free but you may be charged if you apply through one of the unofficial websites
• It’s not accepted in most private clinics
• You need to keep the card with you at all times – you won’t be covered if you haven’t got it with you
• Your card will normally arrive within seven days if you apply through the official EHIC site
• Each card covers just one person – children need their own cards too.
• The EHIC is valid for 5 years and replaces the E111 cards, which are no longer valid.

 

Why you still need travel insurance

The EHIC is not an alternative to travel insurance. It only focuses on state-provided medical cover and won’t cover you for any of the following:

• Treatment in private hospitals– this is particularly key for winter sports holidays where state-run medical care might be in short supply
• Mountain rescue
• Emergency flights back to the UK
• Lost or stolen property
• Trip cancellations

 

How to get your free EHIC card

You can apply for your card through the official site at:
https://www.ehic.org.uk/Internet/startApplication.do

You can also find a list of all the countries covered by the EHIC on the NHS site:
http://www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/Healthcareabroad/countryguide/Pages/EEAcountries.aspx

For more information visit the European Health Insurance Card: https://www.ehic.org.uk