EHIC replaces the E111 - Important information

Useful information on the European Health Insurance Card, which replaced the E111:

An EHIC entitles you to free, or reduced-cost, medical treatment, if you become ill, or have an accident, while you're visiting Europe. From 2005, the EHIC card replaced the E111 form which is no longer valid..
If you're travelling to mainland Europe, and you haven't got an EHIC, you should apply for one before you go. Make sure that you allow enough time for your card to arrive before you travel. The delivery times vary, depending on how you apply.

How many cards do I need to apply for?

Every family member needs to have their own EHIC.
You can apply for all your family's cards at the same time. As well as your own EHIC, you can get cards for:

• your spouse, or partner, and
• any children up to the age of 16 (or 19 if they are in full-time education).

When you apply, for each person, you will need:

• their first names and surname (family name),
• date of birth, and
• NHS number, or national insurance (NI) number.

Who is eligible for an EHIC?

If you're a UK national (citizen) who normally lives in the UK, an EHIC entitles you to free, or reduced-cost, medical treatment when you're visiting Europe. However, it's not valid if:

• you're going to live in Europe, or
• getting medical treatment is the main purpose of your trip.

Some non-UK nationals living in the UK can also apply for an EHIC. However, there are some restrictions, depending on your nationality. For example, EHICs for some non-UK nationals are not valid in Switzerland.

How long is the EHIC valid for?The EHIC lasts for five years. When your EHIC expires, you can renew it:

• using the online form,
• by phone - call 0845 605 0707,
• or by post

Where is the EHIC valid?

The EHIC is valid when you visit a country in the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland. EEA countries include:

• all countries in the European Union (EU),
• Iceland,
• Liechtenstein, and
• Norway.

Although it's not a member of the EEA, or the EU, Switzerland has an EHIC agreement with the EU.

What treatment does the EHIC cover?

The EHIC entitles you to state-provided medical treatment only. Private treatment is not usually covered.
If you need treatment due to an accident, or illness, it will be provided free, or at a reduced cost. However, some treatment that is free under the NHS in the UK will not necessarily be free in other countries. You may have to make a contribution to the cost of your care, but this can usually be covered by private travel insurance.
The EHIC covers treatment for chronic diseases, or existing illnesses. If you're pregnant, it also covers routine maternity care while you're away.

The EHIC does not cover going to an EEA country, or Switzerland, specifically to get medical treatment, or to have a baby.

Remember that even with an EHIC, it's still advisable to take out full travel insurance in order to ensure that you're covered for all eventualities.

You can get your EHIC card online, by clicking here

Don’t forget your holiday insurance!

If you are taking a trip in the near future, make sure you take out holiday insurance before you go. Holidaysafe.co.uk travel insurance offers cover for a family for 7 days in Europe from just £13.70*. You can get a quote and instant cover by going online to /.
* Includes Insurance Premium Tax is based on 2 adults aged under 35 and 2 children aged under 17 taking out a ‘standard’ single trip travel insurance policy for 7 days in Europe. Cover details and prices are correct at time of going to press (December 2008) and are subject to change.