UK - European Medical Insurance Card

NHS 111 can help if you have an immediate medical problem and you are unsure what to do. To get help from NHS 111 go to 111. nhs.uk or call 111.

- More info about accessing health care services in England

- More information about accessing NHS services in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Using an EHIC in the UK

What you need to do

If you are checking out the UK from an EU country and you fall ill or have a medical emergency situation during your short-term remain in England, you can use a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) issued by your home country to gain access to health care.

You will need to bring your EHIC if you are eligible to use it in the UK.

The EHIC is not an alternative to take a trip insurance. It will not cover any personal medical healthcare, prepared treatment, being flown back home, or lost or stolen residential or commercial property. We suggest that you likewise have travel or health insurance coverage that covers the duration of your journey.

Emergency health care in England

This info has to do with getting healthcare in England.

The way you access healthcare in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland might be different from England.

The NHS operates a residence-based health care system. This means visitors to England may need to spend for NHS health care, depending on their circumstances.

Some services, such as accident and emergency situation (A&E) and visits to a general professional (GP), are totally free to everybody.

Urgent treatment or treatment that can not safely wait until you leave the country and return home will constantly be offered, and the matter of payment dealt with later. Only a clinician can choose if your treatment is urgent or immediately required.

Treatment, protection & expenses

General Practice medical professionals (GPs)

- Primary care services, consisting of treatment by a Family doctor (GP) is supplied totally free of charge by National Health Service (NHS) medical professionals (general specialists - GPs). Find a general medical professional near you.


Dentists

- All NHS oral treatment that is clinically essential is supplied at a basic non-refundable charge. Find a dental professional near you.


Hospital treatment (NHS)

- Apart from emergency care, hospital treatment is arranged through your medical professional (GP), dentist or optician. Most treatment at NHS medical facilities is totally free if you have a legitimate European Medical insurance Card (EHIC). Find a health center near you.

- As a visitor with a legitimate card you are entitled to all medically needed state supplied medical treatment totally free of charge. The card does not cover planned treatment.


Prescriptions

- You can get prescribed medications from any pharmacy on discussion of a prescription. Find a drug store near you.

- Prescribed medicines are charged at a standard non-refundable prescription rate.


Ambulance

- Necessary ambulance transportation is complimentary of charge.

Reimbursement

- In the UK, treatment is frequently complimentary of charge, so there is no refund system.

- When basic charges are used (such as charges for NHS dentists or charges), these are not refundable in the UK.

- If you have to pay for care, contact your national medical insurance supplier when you return home to look for compensation.