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 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 nation and you fall ill or have a medical emergency situation throughout your short-lived remain in England, you can use a legitimate European Medical insurance Card (EHIC) provided 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 coverage. It will not cover any personal medical healthcare, prepared treatment, being flown back home, or lost or taken residential or commercial property. We advise that you likewise have travel or medical insurance that covers the period of your journey.
Emergency healthcare in England
This details is about getting health care in England.
The method you access health care in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland could be different from England.
The NHS operates a residence-based healthcare system. This indicates visitors to England might have to spend for NHS health care, depending on their scenarios.
Some services, such as accident and emergency (A&E) and visits to a family doctor (GP), are free to everyone.
Urgent treatment or treatment that can not securely wait till you leave the country and return home will always be provided, and the matter of payment handled later on. Only a clinician can choose if your treatment is urgent or immediately needed.
Treatment, protection & expenses
General Practice physicians (GPs)
- Primary care services, consisting of treatment by a General Practitioner (GP) is provided free of charge by National Health Service (NHS) medical professionals (general specialists - GPs). Find a basic physician near you.
Dentists
- All NHS dental treatment that is clinically essential is supplied at a basic non-refundable charge. Find a dental expert near you.
Hospital treatment (NHS)
- Apart from emergency situation care, health center treatment is arranged through your doctor (GP), dental expert or optician. Most treatment at NHS medical facilities is totally free if you have a valid European Medical insurance Card (EHIC). Find a health center near you.
- As a visitor with a valid card you are entitled to all scientifically essential 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 complimentary of charge.
Reimbursement
- In the UK, treatment is usually free of charge, so there is no refund system.
- When basic charges are used (such as charges for NHS dental experts or prescription charges), these are not refundable in the UK.
- If you have to spend for care, call your nationwide medical insurance company once you return home to seek reimbursement.
Patient contribution
- In the UK, treatment is most frequently free of charge, but you must reveal your EHIC when accessing healthcare.
Standard charges that must be paid by clients obtain NHS dentists.
- There is likewise a charge for prescriptions, in England just, which is payable at the pharmacy. Prescriptions in Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales are complimentary of charge.
Dialysis, oxygen & chemotherapy
- Oxygen treatment and dialysis require to be set up with a health care provider in advance of your remain in England.
Details of oxygen providers in England.
Details of renal dialysis units
Doctors & hospitals accepting the EHIC
- Most treatments at NHS healthcare facilities are free if you have a legitimate European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Find a healthcare facility near you or find a basic doctor (GP) near you
- More info about accessing NHS services in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Coverage for UK homeowners visiting the EU
If you are visiting an EU Member State from the UK, you can utilize a UK Global Medical Insurance Card (UK GHIC) or a UK European Medical Insurance Card (UK EHIC) to access clinically necessary treatment.
Differences in between the readily available cards
There are 2 kinds of cover available for people insured by the UK. You can get 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 the majority of people, the UK Global Health Insurance Card (UK GHIC) changes the existing European Medical insurance Card (EHIC) for brand-new applications.
Further details on how to get an EHIC or GHIC
How to utilize your card
You can utilize your card to access medically needed state-provided health care when you're going to an EU country.
Medically essential health care means health care that can not fairly wait up until you come back to the UK. Whether treatment is essential is chosen by the healthcare service provider in the country you're going to.
Further information on countries where your card is legitimate

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