The European Health Insurance Card

The old E111, which entitled you to reduced-cost, sometimes free, medical treatment if you were taken ill or had an accident while travelling in Europe, has been replaced from 1st January, 2006 with a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).

So alongside your travel insurance it is advisable to have one of the new EHICs if you are travelling in the European Economic Area (EEA) country or Switzerland. The card is valid in Austria, Belgium, Cyprus (but not Northern Cyprus), Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland.

What is the European Health Insurance Card

The EHIC is normally valid for three to five years and covers any medical treatment that becomes necessary during your trip, because of either illness or an accident. The card gives access to state-provided medical treatment only, and you'll be treated on the same basis as an 'insured' person living in the country you're visiting. Remember, this might not cover all the things you'd expect to get free of charge from the NHS in the UK. You may have to make a contribution to the cost of your care.

The EHIC also covers any treatment you need for a chronic disease or pre-existing illness. You need to make arrangements in advance for kidney dialysis and oxygen therapy. To arrange for kidney dialysis while you're away, contact your NHS renal unit in the UK before you travel. For limited information on oxygen supply services in the EEA countries and Switzerland, call the Department of Health's Customer Service Centre on 020 7210 4850.

Remember that the EHIC won't cover you if getting medical treatment is the main purpose of your trip. You are advised to take out comprehensive private insurance for visits to all countries, regardless of whether you are covered by your EHIC.

The EHIC should cover pregnant women for routine maternity care while they are away. However, if you are going to an EEA country or Switzerland specifically to have your baby, you will need an E112 form - see the 'Non-emergency treatment section' for more information.

Who is eligible for an EHIC?

People who are ordinarily resident in the UK are entitled to a UK-issued EHIC. It is not valid for people who are going to live abroad. Each individual travelling requires a card. Residents of the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man are not eligible. However, you must be over 16 years of age in order to apply. In order to apply ensure you have the NHS or National Insurance Number, Surname/Family Name, Forenames and Date of Birth of each applicant.

Will my partner and children need separate cards?
Yes. Every family member requires a card.

How long will a card last?
An EHIC will last from 3 to 5 years.