NHS 111 can help if you have an urgent medical problem and you are not exactly sure what to do. To get help from NHS 111 go to 111. nhs.uk or call 111.

- More details 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 going to the UK from an EU nation and you fall ill or have a medical emergency situation during your temporary stay in England, you can use a legitimate European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) provided by your home nation to gain access to health care.

You will need 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 health care, prepared treatment, being flown back home, or lost or taken property. We suggest that you likewise have travel or medical insurance that covers the duration of your trip.

Emergency health care in England

This details has to do with getting health care in England.

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

The NHS operates a residence-based healthcare system. This indicates visitors to England might need to spend for NHS healthcare, depending on their circumstances.

Some services, such as mishap and emergency (A&E) and visits to a basic specialist (GP), are free to everybody.

Urgent treatment or treatment that can not securely wait up until you leave the nation and return home will constantly be provided, and the matter of payment dealt with later on. Only a clinician can choose if your treatment is immediate or right away necessary.

Treatment, protection & expenses

General Practice medical professionals (GPs)

- Primary care services, by a General Practitioner (GP) is offered totally free of charge by National Health Service (NHS) physicians (family doctors - GPs). Find a basic medical professional near you.


Dentists

- All NHS oral treatment that is scientifically necessary is provided at a basic non-refundable charge. Find a dental expert near you.


Hospital treatment (NHS)

- Apart from emergency situation care, hospital treatment is organized through your doctor (GP), dental professional or optician. Most treatment at NHS medical facilities is complimentary if you have a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Find a medical facility near you.

- As a visitor with a legitimate card you are entitled to all clinically required state provided medical treatment free of charge. The card does not cover planned treatment.


Prescriptions

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

- Prescribed medications are charged at a basic non-refundable prescription rate.


Ambulance

- Necessary ambulance transport is totally free of charge.

Reimbursement

- In the UK, treatment is usually totally 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 need to spend for care, contact your national medical insurance service provider once you return home to look for reimbursement.

Patient contribution

- In the UK, treatment is frequently free of charge, but you need to reveal your EHIC when accessing health care.

Standard charges that should be paid by patients make an application for NHS dentists.

- There is likewise a charge for prescriptions, in England only, 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 organized with a healthcare service provider in advance of your remain in England.

Details of oxygen providers in England.

Details of renal dialysis systems

Doctors & healthcare facilities accepting the EHIC

- Most treatments at NHS medical facilities are totally free if you have a legitimate European Medical insurance Card (EHIC). Find a health center near you or find a general physician (GP) near you

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

Coverage for UK locals checking out the EU

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

Differences between the available cards

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

- a UK Global Medical Insurance Card (UK GHIC).

- a UK European Medical Insurance Card (UK EHIC), if you have rights under the Withdrawal Agreement.


For many people, the UK Global Medical Insurance Card (UK GHIC) replaces the existing European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for brand-new applications.

Further info on how to get an EHIC or GHIC

How to use your card

You can use your card to gain access to clinically needed state-provided health care when you're checking out an EU nation.

Medically necessary health care means health care that can not fairly wait up until you return to the UK. Whether treatment is essential is decided by the doctor in the nation you're checking out.

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 till the expiration date on the card. You can apply for a new card up to 6 months before your existing card ends.