The cover the EHIC provides
The EHIC can be used to cover any necessary medical treatment due to either an accident or illness within the European Economic Area and Switzerland. The card entitles the holder to state-provided medical treatment within the country they are visiting and the service provided will be the same as received by a person covered by the country's 'insured' medical scheme. This may not cover all of the services you would expect within the UK and you may have to make a contribution towards the care you receive.
The EHIC can also be used to receive treatment for pre-existing illnesses and chronic diseases, but conditions do apply so please check with your healthcare provider before you travel. Maternity care is covered by the EHIC whilst you are away, but if you are travelling to a country specifically to have a baby then you will need to complete an E112 form. Again, ask your healthcare provider for more information before you travel.
The EHIC may not cover persons for all medical costs incurred, so you are strongly advised to also arrange travel insurance to ensure that you are covered for all possible eventualities. Furthermore, you will not be covered by an EHIC if the main purpose of your travel is to receive medical treatment.
The EHIC is valid within the European Economic Area, which includes the European Union countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. Switzerland also has an agreement in place with the European Union to accept the EHIC.
The following countries are covered by the EHIC:
Austria, Belgium, Cyprus (not including Northern Cyprus), Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.
Apply online now – application processed within 7 days
You can use the EHIC Review and Forward service on this website. The charge is £9.95 per application. Or you can use the NHSBSA website which can be found here to apply yourself.