The EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) card was introduced five years ago to replace the previous system of E111 cards for travellers. It entitles residents of the United Kingdom to certain types of state medical treatment while outside the UK on holiday or on business trips.
The treatment you receive is not guaranteed to be free, but even if it is not, it should be cheaper than it would have been without an EHIC card. When the treatment is not free, you may be able to request financial assistance when you are back in the UK which will help you cover the cost.
Each EHIC card is valid for 5 years. After the expiry date it is invalid for treatment. If you are going on holiday in the next few months, it is advisable to check the expiry date on your card and request a new one if it is out of date. You may renew the card any time within 6 months of expiry.
The EHIC card is free of charge and you should never exchange money for one.
Why do I need an EHIC card?
An EHIC card will protect you against some of the high medical bills you may encounter if you become ill while on holiday. It entitles you to the equivalent of NHS care in the country you are in; basically, you pay what a resident of that country would pay. In some countries, the levels of truly free care vary and may not be exactly comparable with the NHS system. For example, emergency transportation may be chargeable.
In general, you can expect to receive any treatment that is ‘medically necessary’. This includes care if you have a pre-existing condition or you need dialysis. Any maternity care which is needed is normally covered, including costs incurred as a result of an early or unexpected birth. This includes care for your newborn baby.
The European Health Insurance Card will not cover anyone who travels overseas specifically for a certain treatment, nor does it cover any pregnant woman who travels to another with the main intention of giving birth in that country.
Do I need an EHIC card if I am insured?
Yes. An EHIC card should be considered an extension of travel insurance provision.
An EHIC card does not protect you against the cost of serious illness or accident, such as lengthy hospitalisation or transport home if you need to cut your holiday short. Cover from an EHIC is also limited for very specific types of holidays, such as winter sports holidays, where accidents may be more likely and destinations are very remote.
Some insurers will specifically request that you obtain an EHIC card before they will allow you to take out a travel insurance policy. If you do not have an EHIC yet, this is worth checking.
Remember to take a copy of your travel insurance policy with you when you travel so you can present it with your EHIC card in the unfortunate event of illness or accident.
What else do I need to know about using an EHIC card?
You still need to make sensible medical preparations if you intend to take an EHIC card away with you, such as seeking any necessary vaccinations in good time and taking out travel insurance as mentioned.
If you are offered a choice of private medical care or state care when you fall ill, you should always choose state care if you intend to use your EHIC card. If you choose private care, your card will most likely not cover any costs. Some travel companies arrange private care for their customers, so it is always worth double checking this if someone else has offered to arrange treatment for you.
If you are asked to pay for state care and seek a refund for it later, you should action this before you travel back to the UK if possible.
Where can I get an EHIC card?
The EHIC card is available online via official Department of Health websites or the dedicated EHIC website at www.ehic.org.uk. You may also telephone EHIC on 0845 606 2030. If you live overseas, you must telephone the Overseas Healthcare Team on +44 191 218 1999.
The Department of Health have issued warnings to deter customers from exchanging money for an EHIC card, or purchasing a bogus ‘express’ service from a third party website. The card normally takes around seven days to reach you when applied for through official channels; there is no express service available.
To apply for a card you must have a valid, permanent National Insurance (NI) number and be at least 16 years of age with a UK address. Children 18 or under should be registered together with a parent on the same card as a dependent.
