The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) allows you to access state-provided healthcare in all European Economic Area (EEA) countries and Switzerland at a reduced cost or sometimes free of charge.
E111 forms have been invalid since January 2006. Holders of E111 forms should apply immediately for the EHIC to maintain the level of cover provided by the scheme.
Please see the application guidance notes below to help with the application process.
Everyone who is resident in the UK should have the EHIC and carry it with them when they travel abroad. Please remember to check your EHIC is still valid before you travel. Applying for the card directly from the NHS is free and it is valid for up to five years. The application checking services available from the Post Office and this web site incur a small administrative charge.
New EHIC Applications
For first time applications, please have the following information to hand
- Name and date of birth
- Your Address and postcode
- National Insurance Number or NHS Number
If you are over 16 years of age you can apply for cards for your spouse and dependent children on your own application at no additional cost. Please enter the National Insurance Number or NHS Number of a parent/guardian for dependent children under 16 years of age.
Renewing Your EHIC or E111
To renew your existing EHIC or E111, please also have the following information to hand.
- EHIC PIN Number, as displayed on your card
Lost EHIC
If you have lost your EHIC or E111 please supply the details requested on the application form and we will guarantee to check your application and contact you within one hour.
- Online - The easiest way to apply is online. Our Check & Send Service is available 24 hrs a day, 365 days a year, at a cost of £14.99 per application. Standard applications are normally processed and delivered within 7-10 working days.
- At the Post Office - The Post Office Check & Send Service is available from participating Post Office Counter at a cost of £2 per application. Your application should be processed within 21 days.
- By Telephone - You can telephone the NHS Business Services Authority EHIC Application Line on 0845 606 2030. There is no charge to make an application by phone, but you will have to pay for the cost of the call. Your application should be processed within 7-10 working days.
- From NHSBSA - The NHSBSA site (www.ehic.org.uk) is usually available every day for 16 hours but cannot be used between 23.00 hrs and 07.00 hrs. If you prefer to log in during the hours that this site is open and are prepared to check the information yourself, these applications can be made without cost.
The EHIC is valid when you temporarily visit a country in the EEA (European Economic Area) or Switzerland, e.g. for a holiday or a business trip. For more information, go to Which countries offer reduced cost or free medical treatment for visitors from the UK?
Different rules apply if you’re moving abroad to live, work or study.
The EHIC entitles you to state-provided medical treatment at reduced cost or sometimes free, if you become ill or have an accident during your stay.
You cannot use your EHIC if you are travelling specifically for treatment in another country.
Remember that the EHIC cover includes only state hospitals, not private.
