Applying for a
free European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)

Holding a valid EHIC gives free access to state-funded health care while visiting EU countries,
plus Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Switzerland.

Apply Now Renew Now

Steps to Apply for your European Health Insurance Card

  • Step - 1Add Personal
    Information
  • Step - 2Select Delivery
    Address
  • Step - 3Make
    Payment
  • Step - 4Receive EHIC
    Card(s) via Post
Renewing or applying for an EHIC

Renewing or applying for an EHIC is done via the online EHIC application form; this is a free service.

There are unofficial websites offering access to EHIC applications and renewals, which charge a fee. These should be avoided.


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Health care during the Brexit transition period

Current arrangements for UK citizens’ access to healthcare in the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland remain in place until 31 December 2020.

EHIC holders can use their card during this period in the same way as before.

As before, EHIC cards are not replacements for travel insurance; this must still be taken out before travelling.

An EHIC is valid in any country being visited as of 31 December 2020, for the remainder of the holder’s period of stay in that country.

Renewing or applying for an EHIC

Renewing or applying for an EHIC is done via the online EHIC application form; this is a free service.

There are unofficial websites offering access to EHIC applications and renewals, which charge a fee. These should be avoided.

EHIC for the UK while still within the EU
Current coverage Non-coverage
EHIC provides access to necessary health care as delivered by state-owned facilities in visited countries, free or at reduced cost, until the planned return date. The UK’s NHS provides treatments and other services which are not standard in other countries; refer to national healthcare guides before travelling. Where healthcare is not provided free, part-payment is necessary; this is called patient co-payment. Countries which charge co-payment will do so for travellers at the same rate as citizens of that country.
Pre-existing medical conditions which require treatment during the visit period are covered by EHIC. As EHIC does not function as travel insurance, it does not cover costs such as mountain rescue, or repatriation flights to the UK.
Routine maternity care is also covered by EHIC, but not planned childbirth. EHIC is invalid on cruises.
Unexpected childbirth while abroad will be covered by EHIC, in terms of healthcare for both mother and baby. Travel insurance must be taken out as well as EHIC coverage; many insurance providers insist on a valid EHIC, and offer free excess for holders.
Routine kidney dialysis and oxygen treatment are covered by EHIC, as long as these treatments are pre-booked before travel; relevant advice is available at UK GP surgeries or hospital outpatients clinics. EHIC does not cover travelling abroad in order to obtain medical treatment, nor to give birth.
Private healthcare provision is not covered by the EHIC scheme. Some EU countries, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Switzerland do not provide state funded healthcare in all locations.
Pre-existing medical conditions which require monitoring are covered by EHIC. Particular care should be taken if healthcare cover is arranged via a third party, such as hotel or tour employees. EHIC coverage can vary by treatment as well as location, so costs may not be recoverable under the scheme. Health insurance should also be taken out individually.

Who qualifies for a UK-issued EHIC?

UK Residents

The EHIC scheme is underwritten, and therefore covered financially, by the European Union (EU). It covers all EU nations, plus Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Switzerland.

The UK’s National Health Service (NHS) is provided free at the point of delivery to residents of the UK, regardless of past National Insurance (NI) contributions or income tax payments.

Those resident in the UK in ordinary circumstances are considered under the terms of the scheme - i.e. under EU law - to be insured by the NHS, and are therefore entitled to a UK-issued EHIC.

Proof of identity and residency status is required when applying for a UK-issued EHIC. Under certain circumstances, UK residents living in other parts of the EU, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland may be eligible for a UK-issued card.

UK residents whose healthcare insurance is provided by another EU country, or Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland, are not entitled to a UK-issued EHIC. In this case, residents should contact appropriate authorities in the insuring country to apply for an EHIC.

Note:

  • Changes of circumstance may result in loss of UK-issued EHIC.
  • Subsequent use of EHIC in other countries may result in full liability for medical costs.
  • Eligibility for UK-issued EHIC may be rescinded following change in country of residence, working abroad or UK residency status.

Family applications

If travelling as a family, every person in that family requires an EHIC. The head of family can apply for all members, including a partner and dependent children under 16.

If the head of the family is a current EHIC holder, details of other family members applying for the scheme should be added based on that card.

Applicants under 16 years will require a parent or guardian to apply for EHIC for them. Teaching staff at boarding schools can also apply for students in their care.

When applying for an EHIC, the following details will be needed:

  • full name
  • date of birth
  • National Insurance (NI) number or NHS Number (CHI number in Scotland, or Health and Care Number in Northern Ireland)

Temporary NI numbers are not valid for EHIC applications. Temporary numbers begin with "TN", followed by date of birth, and "M" or "F" to denote gender – e.g., TN131160M.

EHIC cards applied for on the official website take up to 10 days to arrive by post.

Students studying outside of the UK

Students planning to study full time within the EU, or in Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland, should apply for a Student EHIC based on the length of course of study.

Student EHICs cannot be applied for online.

Non European Economic Area (EEA) nationals

If the applicant or any family member is a resident of a country outside the EU, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland, further evidence of eligibility will be required.

A copy of a current visa or UK residence permit, plus a completed EHIC application form, should be posted to:

Overseas Healthcare Services

NHS Business Services Authority

Bridge House

152 Pilgrim Street

Newcastle upon Tyne

NE1 6SN

European Economic Area (EEA) residents

Non-UK residents of the EU, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Switzerland are eligible for EHIC, provided they fulfill 1 of the following criteria:

  • receive a UK State Pension or exportable UK benefit, and have a UK-issued S1 form (certificate of entitlement) registered in country of residence
  • worker posted to work in another EU country, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland by a UK employer, or a frontier worker living in 1 of these countries and working in the UK
  • family member of a posted worker or someone working in the UK, and not already covered by the EEA country of residence.

Online applications for UK-issued EHICs are not available for EEA residents; contact Overseas Healthcare Services at the NHS Business Services Authority.

  • Call 0191 218 1999 from the UK or +44 191 218 1999 from outside the UK, Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm.
  • For more detailed information, phone the EHIC enquiry line on 0300 330 1350.

Those not eligible for a UK-issued EHIC should check with the appropriate authorities in their current country of residence.

Residents of the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man are not eligible for an EHIC.

Renewing an EHIC

An EHIC is valid for 5 years; dates should be checked before travelling abroad.

Renewing an EHIC can be done from 6 months before expiry; however, time left will not be added to the new validity period.

EHIC renewal is free of charge. UK residents can renew online provided personal details remain unchanged.

Non European Economic Area (EEA) nationals
Living outside the UK
Family renewals
No change in personal details
Change in name
Change in address

Travelling abroad without EHIC

Holders of a valid EHIC who travel without it can apply for a Provisional Replacement Certificate (PRC) if medical treatment is required which would be covered by the EHIC.

Applications should be made to Overseas Healthcare Services at the NHS Business Services Authority on +44 (0)191 218 1999, Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm.

Calls do not have to be made by the EHIC holder personally. PRCs required outside of normal business hours should be applied for as soon as possible the next working day.

A PRC provides the same cover as an EHIC for the duration of stay.

When calling for a PRC, provide the card holder’s:

  • National Insurance (NI) number
  • full name
  • full address
  • date of birth
  • name of the treatment facility
  • email address for the specific department of the treatment facility.
Lost or stolen EHIC

Call 0300 330 1350 to replace a lost or stolen EHIC.

The number is available Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm, and Saturday, 9am to 3pm. A 24/7 voice-automated service is also available.

Email: nhsbsa.ehicenquiries@nhsbsa.nhs.uk

By post:

EHIC Enquiries
PO Box 1114
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE99 2TL

Provide full name, UK address, date of birth and EHIC PIN, if possible

Refunds

EHIC allows access to any medically necessary, state-provided healthcare in countries covered by the scheme. Holders of valid cards are considered residents of that country for healthcare purposes.

Some countries require payment for treatment up front, which can be refunded later under EHIC.

All receipts and other paperwork should be retained or copied, for use by insurance providers.

Some countries also require co-payment (or ‘patient share’) as a contribution to total cost of care, e.g. to cover prescriptions. These will not be refundable by EHIC; refunds will amount to the total bill minus any co-payment. The level of co-payment or patient share will be decided by the healthcare authority providing the treatment.

For further advice, contact the Overseas Healthcare Service on 0191 218 1999, Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm.

EHIC coverage as of 1 January 2021

EHIC cover will still be available from 1 January 2021 for the following:

  • UK state pensioners living in the EU before 31 December 2020
  • UK students studying in the EU before 31 December 2020
  • 'Frontier workers' (those working in one state but resident in another) before 31 December 2020, for duration of work in the host state
  • EU nationals living in the UK before 31 December 2020.
Download EHIC Application Form
Applying by Phone

You can telephone the NHS Business Services Authority EHIC Application Line on 0845 606 2030. Making an application by phone is free of charge, but you will have to pay for the cost of the call. Your application should be processed within 7-10 working days.

Applying by Post

The Post Office Check & Send Service is available from participating Post Office Counter at a cost of £2 per application. Applications should be processed within 21 days.

Online Applications

The best way to apply is online from NHS Business Services. Our Check & Send Service is independent of the NHS Business Services and it is available 24 hrs a day, 365 days a year, at a cost of £14.99 per application (Up to 2 adults and 3 children). Standard applications are normally processed and delivered by the NHS within 7-10 working days.

What is a European Health
Insurance Card?

If you’ve been browsing around travel insurance or holiday sites, you’ve probably come across the term EHIC. But do you know what it stands for? EHIC is the European Health Insurance Card. It’s a credit card sized piece of plastic which has your name, date of birth and other details on it, and which you can use to get access to state healthcare in any of the countries which make up the EEA.

EHIC is a valuable add-on to your holiday insurance policy. Often, your travel insurance will have an excess of £100 or more, meaning you have to foot the bill until your charges reach that level. EHIC entitles you to state health care on the same terms as a national of the country you’re in, and that usually means either free healthcare, or healthcare at a minimal cost. If you’re in a country like Germany or France where the public healthcare system is excellent, why incur any more costs than you have to?

EHIC is also very useful for people who suffer chronic illnesses, or those who find that their pre-existing conditions are excluded from their insurance cover. EHIC will cover any illnesses, whether or not you were aware you were ill before you travelled overseas.

It’s important to remember though that despite the obvious benefits of EHIC, it shouldn’t be seen as an alternative to a travel insurance policy. EHIC won’t pay to fly you home in an air ambulance, or deal with any of the additional costs you incur when you’re ill abroad. Travel insurance policies also cover other events such as losing your wallet or having your baggage going astray. Shop around though, some insurers will offer a reduction on premiums for customers who have organised EHIC cover for their family before leaving home.

Renewal of Existing EHIC

Renew your existing European Health Insurance Card with our quick and efficient service.

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Lost / Stolen Cards

Has your card been lost or stolen? We can help to provide you with a replacement.

Replace Now

By using our service we will:

  1. Review and process your application
  2. Check and audit your application in order to avoid common errors
  3. Contact you in the case of insufficient or incorrect information
  4. Remind you to renew your card before it expires (optional)

Applying for an EHIC is free of charge.
You can apply for your EHIC online through the NHSBSA website here.
It’s also possible to apply by phoning the automated service on: 0845 606 2030
Another way to apply is to download an application form (PDF, 122kb) and return it to the NHS Business Services Authority, which processes all applications.
NHS Business Services Authority, European Health Insurance Card, EHIC Applications, Sandyford House, Archbold Terrace, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 1BF
The following details will be necessary in order to complete your application:

  • Full name
  • Date of birth
  • National Insurance or NHS number (CHI number in Scotland or Health and Care Number in Northern Ireland)
    Please note that temporary National Insurance numbers aren’t valid. Temporary National Insurance numbers uses the prefix ‘TN’, the date of birth and M or F to denote gender (for example TN131160M). These numbers are no longer accepted and cannot be used to apply for an EHIC

Contact the EHIC application team by phone by dialling our call connection number.
European Health Insurance (EHIC) Line
APPLY, RENEW OR REPLACE

0300 330 1350 from the UK or +44 191 279 0575 from abroad.

Lines are open Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm, and Saturday 9am to 3pm (UK time)