NHS 111 can help if you have an immediate medical problem and you are unsure what to do. To get assist from NHS 111 go to 111. nhs.uk or call 111.
- More information about accessing health care services in England
- More details 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 during your temporary stay in England, you can use a valid European Medical insurance Card (EHIC) issued by your home country to gain access to health care.

You will require to bring your EHIC if you are qualified to use it in the UK.

The EHIC is not an alternative to travel insurance. It will not cover any personal medical healthcare, planned treatment, being flown back home, or lost or taken residential or commercial property. We suggest that you likewise have travel or medical insurance that covers the of your trip.

Emergency healthcare in England

This info is about getting health care in England.

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

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

Some services, such as mishap and emergency situation (A&E) and check outs to a basic practitioner (GP), are totally free to everyone.

Urgent treatment or treatment that can not safely wait until you leave the nation and return home will constantly be offered, and the matter of payment handled later on. Only a clinician can decide if your treatment is urgent or immediately needed.

Treatment, protection & expenses

General Practice medical professionals (GPs)

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

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

- Apart from emergency situation care, medical facility treatment is arranged through your doctor (GP), dental expert or optician. Most treatment at NHS medical facilities is free if you have a legitimate European Medical insurance Card (EHIC). Find a health center near you.
- As a visitor with a valid card you are entitled to all clinically necessary state supplied medical treatment complimentary of charge. The card does not cover planned treatment.
Prescriptions

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

- Necessary ambulance transportation is totally free of charge.


Reimbursement

- In the UK, treatment is most typically complimentary of charge, so there is no refund system.
- When standard charges are used (such as charges for NHS dental experts or prescription charges), these are not refundable in the UK.
- If you need to spend for care, call your national health insurance supplier once you return home to seek compensation.


Patient contribution

- In the UK, treatment is frequently free of charge, but you should show your EHIC when accessing healthcare.
Standard charges that should be paid by clients apply for NHS dental experts.
- There is also a charge for prescriptions, in England just, which is payable at the drug store. Prescriptions in Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales are totally free of charge.


Dialysis, oxygen & chemotherapy

- Oxygen treatment and dialysis need to be set up with a healthcare company in advance of your remain in England.
Details of oxygen suppliers in England.
Details of kidney dialysis units


Doctors & hospitals accepting the EHIC

- Most treatments at NHS healthcare facilities are totally free if you have a valid European Medical insurance Card (EHIC). Find a hospital near you or find a general medical professional (GP) near you
- More details about accessing NHS services in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.


Coverage for UK citizens checking out the EU

If you are going to an EU Member State from the UK, you can use a UK Global Health Insurance Card (UK GHIC) or a UK European Health Insurance Card (UK EHIC) to access clinically essential treatment.

Differences between the offered cards

There are 2 types of cover offered for people insured by the UK. You can make an application 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 many individuals, the UK Global Health Insurance Card (UK GHIC) changes the existing European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for new applications.

Further details on how to obtain an EHIC or GHIC

How to use your card

You can utilize your card to gain access to medically essential state-provided health care when you're going to an EU nation.

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

Further details on countries where your card stands

If you have an existing EHIC

If you have an existing EHIC issued prior to the UK leaving the EU, it will remain valid until the expiration date on the card. You can get a brand-new card as much as 6 months before your present card expires.