European Health Insurance Card (EHIC): Apply online

The E111 form was replaced by the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) in January 2006. The E111 form is no longer valid, and all UK residents travelling to Europe can apply online for a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) in order to receive necessary healthcare while visiting an EEA country or Switzerland.

BUT if you are planning to travel abroad for medical treatment, to work, study or live in one of these countries, then there are many restrictions on your entitlement to health care. Exactly what depends on why you are travelling and where to.

The UK has reciprocal healthcare agreements with many countries, which allow travellers to receive free or low cost emergency care. However, you may still have to make a contribution to the cost of your care.

The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is normally valid for three to five years and covers any medical treatment that becomes necessary during your trip, due to illness or an accident.

If you are ordinarily resident in the UK you are entitled to a UK-issued European Health Insurance Card. The EHIC card will cover you for any treatment for a chronic or pre-existing condition

The EHIC card will not cover you if the sole purpose of your trip to Europe or Switzerland is to receive medical treatment.

Trips overseas for medical treatment are now so popular that most travel insurers have changed their policies to exclude trips for this purpose. A new breed of travel health policies is meeting the need, and we expect to see more insurers offering these in 2006.

If you are travelling abroad to study, there are some countries where special insurance for overseas students is available.

If you are going to live or work abroad, you cannot rely on the EHIC card for protection, an international/ expatriate insurance is the answer

Some but not all, private medical insurance policies include emergency treatment whilst abroad. A small handful allow you to get any insured treatment in countries other than the UK.

Apply online for for an EHIC (European Health Insurance Card)

The EHIC is necessary for travel to: