European Health Insurance Card – EHIC A Simple Guide
What Is the European Health Insurance Card
What Does The Card Cover You For
Watch The Video About The EHIC
If I Have The EHIC, Do I Need Travel Insurance
Who Needs The European Health Insurance Card
How Old Do You Have To Be To Apply For The EHIC
Which Countries are Covered And What Is Covered In Each Country
How Long Is The Card Valid For
How Much Is The European Health Insurance Card
Where Can I Apply For The EHIC
How To Renew European Health Insurance Card
What is the European Health Insurance Card
Introduced in 2006, the European Health Insurance Card replaced the existing E111 card. The new card enables you to receive state healthcare in all countries in the EEA (European Economic Area), the card also covers you in Switzerland.
What Does The Card Cover You For
Holders of the card will receive treatment at a reduce cost or in some cases for free and will not have to pay anything. The card will also cover you for any treatment that may be necessary in order for you to complete your stay and then allows you to return home on your scheduled date.
Holders of the EHIC will be treated the same and receive the same level of treatment as the residents of the country they are visiting.
In the UK we are lucky to be covered for medical costs with the NHS and other countries you may be visiting may not have the same level of cover which we receive in the UK. It may be that in some countries you will be charged for the additional treatment that you would normally receive for free in the UK.
What The Card Does Not Cover
The card does not cover all your medical costs, it does not cover the holder of the card for private treatment and it does not cover you for the cost of any expenses of travel should you ned to be flown back to the UK or air lifted from a mountain whilst on a ski trip or expedition.
Watch the video below to learn more about the EHIC, what it entails, how it can help you and why you should have one:
If I Have The EHIC, Do I Need Travel Insurance
YES! The EHIC is not a substitute for travel insurance and you will require full travel insurance alongside the EHIC. The EHIC does not cover the full cost of your medical treatment should you be taken ill whilst abroad and need to be airlifted or pay for extra hospital treatment etc. The EHIC will not cover you for those expenses, nor will it cover you for stolen items, delays or cancelations whilst traveling. Some travel insurance companies will now only provide you with cover if you have a valid EHIC, so it is worth enquiring with your insurance company before travel.
Who Needs The European Health Insurance Card
Any person traveling from the UK to Europe will need to have a European Health Insurance Card. Please Note: Every individual traveling should have their own card.
Who Is Eligible For The Card
Any person residing in the United Kingdom can apply for the EHIC. Residents of the Isle Of man and The Channel Islands cannot apply for the card. In some cases, you may be asked to provide further information and details but this will be advised once you have applied for your card.
How Old Do You Have To Be To Apply For The EHIC
You will need to be 16 years or over to apply for the card.
Do Children Need To Have One
Yes, each family member will be required to have their own card. Parents will be required to list their children as dependents on their own application form and then each named child will receive their own card.
Which Countries are Covered And What Is Covered In Each Country
Austria
Belgium
Bulgaria
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Iceland
Ireland
Italy
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Netherlands
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
To read more about the level of cover you will receive in each country in the EEA, please click on the following link below:
Countries And Cover In The EEA
How Long Is The Card Valid For
From the date of issue, the card is valid for up to 5 years
How Much Is The European Health Insurance Card
The European Health Insurance Card is absolutely free of charge and you should not have to pay for one. However, there are a number of websites on the internet that will try to charge you for processing one, don’t be fooled!
Where Can I Apply For The EHIC
You can apply for your card through the NHS website and this will ensure you receive your card absolutely FREE of charge. The following link will take you direct to the NHS website:
Once at the website, all you need to do is simply click on the button at the top right hand corner that says ‘Apply For Your EHIC Now’ and then follow the instructions.
How To Renew European Health Insurance Card
Renewal of the EHIC is and you can apply for the renewal 6 months before the expiry date. You will need your PIN (Personal Identification Number) to renew or change any personal details. Your PIN is printed on your card.
Your can use the following number if you wish to renew your card or change your personal details:
Automated Application Service: 0845 606 2030
If you are not sure about your PIN, you can call: Enquires: 0845 606 2030
More Questions And Answers about the EHIC can be found on the following Page: EHIC Questions And Answers
Applying for your EHIC is free so there is no excuse to travel without one. Many countries may not treat you without first seeing you hold one of the cards. If they do, then you will be charged full costs for your treatment. It really is not worth running the risk of this happening, especially when you can avoid it for FREE today.
Please ensure you, your family members and any other individuals that are traveling in your group have their own European Health Insurance Card and is covered for the duration of your trip. It is FREE and only takes a few minutes to apply.
Also, please ensure that once you have your European Health Insurance Card, you carry it at all times on your person when you are abroad.