NHS 111 can assist if you have an urgent medical issue and you are uncertain what to do. To get help from NHS 111 go to 111. nhs.uk or call 111.
- More details about accessing healthcare services in England
- More info about accessing NHS services in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.


Using an EHIC in the UK

What you require to do

If you are going to the UK from an EU country and you fall ill or have a medical emergency throughout your short-term stay in England, you can utilize a legitimate European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) released by your home country to gain access to health care.

You will need to bring your EHIC if you are qualified to utilize it in the UK.

The EHIC is not an option to take a trip insurance coverage. It will not cover any private medical health care, prepared treatment, being flown back home, or lost or stolen property. We suggest that you also have travel or health insurance that covers the period of your journey.

Emergency health care in England

This info is about getting health care in England.

The way you access health care in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland might be various from England.

The NHS runs a residence-based health care system. This indicates visitors to England might need to pay for NHS healthcare, depending on their situations.

Some services, such as mishap and emergency (A&E) and check outs to a family doctor (GP), are free to everyone.

Urgent treatment or treatment that can not securely wait up until you leave the nation and return home will always be offered, and the matter of payment dealt with later. Only a clinician can decide if your treatment is immediate or instantly required.

Treatment, protection & costs

General Practice doctors (GPs)

- Primary care services, including treatment by a General Practitioner (GP) is supplied complimentary of charge by National Health Service (NHS) doctors (family doctors - GPs). Find a basic medical professional near you.
Dentists

- All NHS dental treatment that is medically required is offered at a standard non-refundable charge. Find a dental professional near you.
Hospital treatment (NHS)

- Apart from emergency situation care, hospital treatment is arranged through your physician (GP), dental practitioner or optician. Most treatment at NHS medical facilities is totally free if you have a legitimate European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Find a healthcare facility near you.
- As a visitor with a legitimate card you are entitled to all medically required state supplied medical treatment complimentary of charge. The card does not cover organized treatment.
Prescriptions

- You can get prescribed medications from any pharmacy on presentation of a prescription. Find a drug store near you.
- Prescribed medications are charged at a standard non-refundable prescription rate.
Ambulance

- Necessary ambulance transport is totally free of charge.


Reimbursement

- In the UK, treatment is frequently free of charge, so there is no refund system.
- When standard charges are applied (such as fees for NHS dental experts or prescription charges), these are not refundable in the UK.
- If you have to pay for care, call your national medical insurance service provider when you return home to seek repayment.


Patient contribution

- In the UK, treatment is usually free of charge, however you should show your EHIC when accessing health care.
Standard charges that must be paid by patients obtain NHS dental professionals.
- There is likewise a charge for prescriptions, in England just, which is payable at the pharmacy. Prescriptions in Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales are totally free of charge.


Dialysis, oxygen & chemotherapy

- Oxygen therapy and dialysis need to be organized with a healthcare provider in advance of your stay in England.
Details of oxygen suppliers in England.
Details of renal dialysis systems


Doctors & healthcare facilities accepting the EHIC

- Most treatments at NHS hospitals are complimentary if you have a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Find a hospital near you or discover a basic medical professional (GP) near you
- More info about accessing NHS services in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.


Coverage for UK homeowners going to the EU

If you are visiting an EU Member State from the UK, you can utilize a UK Global Health Insurance Card (UK GHIC) or a UK European Health Insurance Card (UK EHIC) to access medically needed treatment.

Differences in between the available cards

There are 2 types of cover readily available for individuals guaranteed by the UK. You can apply for either:

- a UK Global Health Insurance Card (UK GHIC).
- a UK European Health Insurance Card (UK EHIC), if you have rights under the Withdrawal Agreement.
For most people, the UK Global Health Insurance Card (UK GHIC) replaces the existing European Medical insurance Card (EHIC) for brand-new applications.

Further info on how to obtain an EHIC or GHIC

How to use your card

You can utilize your card to access clinically required state-provided health care when you're visiting an EU country.

Medically needed health care suggests healthcare that can not reasonably wait till you come back to the UK. Whether treatment is needed is chosen by the doctor in the country you're going to.

Further information on where your card is valid

If you have an existing EHIC

If you have an existing EHIC released prior to the UK leaving the EU, it will stay valid up until the expiration date on the card. You can obtain a new card as much as 6 months before your existing card ends.