NHS 111 can assist if you have an urgent medical problem and you are not sure what to do. To get help from NHS 111 go to 111. nhs.uk or call 111.
- More details about accessing healthcare 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 short-lived stay in England, you can use a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) provided by your home country to gain access to healthcare.

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

The EHIC is not an alternative to take a trip insurance. It will not cover any private medical health care, 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 duration of your journey.

Emergency health care in England

This details is about getting health care in England.

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

The NHS runs a residence-based health care system. This implies visitors to England may have to pay for NHS healthcare, depending on their situations.

Some services, such as mishap and emergency (A&E) and visits to a basic professional (GP), are complimentary to everyone.

Urgent treatment or treatment that can not safely wait till you leave the nation and return home will always be offered, and the matter of payment dealt with later on. Only a clinician can decide if your treatment is urgent or right away essential.

Treatment, coverage & expenses

General Practice physicians (GPs)

- Medical care services, including treatment by a General Practitioner (GP) is offered totally free of charge by National Health Service (NHS) doctors (basic practitioners - GPs). Find a general doctor near you.
Dentists

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

- Apart from emergency care, health center treatment is set up through your physician (GP), dental professional or optician. Most treatment at NHS hospitals is complimentary if you have a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Find a hospital near you.
- As a visitor with a legitimate card you are entitled to all medically essential state offered medical treatment complimentary of charge. The card does not cover planned treatment.
Prescriptions

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

- Necessary ambulance transport is complimentary of charge.


Reimbursement

- In the UK, treatment is usually free of charge, so there is no refund system.
- When basic charges are applied (such as fees for NHS dentists or prescription charges), these are not refundable in the UK.
- If you have to spend for care, call your national health insurance provider once you return home to seek compensation.


Patient contribution

- In the UK, treatment is usually free of charge, but you need to reveal your EHIC when accessing healthcare.
Standard charges that must be paid by clients get NHS dental practitioners.
- There is also a charge for prescriptions, in England just, which is payable at the pharmacy. Prescriptions in Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales are free of charge.


Dialysis, oxygen & chemotherapy

- Oxygen therapy and dialysis require to be organized with a health care company in advance of your remain in England.
Details of oxygen providers in England.
Details of kidney dialysis systems


Doctors & hospitals accepting the EHIC

- Most treatments at NHS health centers are complimentary if you have a legitimate European Medical insurance Card (EHIC). Find a health center near you or discover a basic medical professional (GP) near you
- More details 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 use a UK Global Health Insurance Card (UK GHIC) or a UK European Health Insurance Card (UK EHIC) to gain access to medically needed treatment.

Differences in between the offered cards

There are 2 types of cover readily available for individuals guaranteed by the UK. You can get 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 most individuals, 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 utilize your card

You can utilize your card to access medically needed state-provided healthcare when you're going to an EU country.

Medically required health care implies health care that can not reasonably wait up until you come back to the UK. Whether treatment is needed is chosen by the doctor in the country you're going to.

Further info on countries where your card is valid

If you have an existing EHIC

If you have an existing EHIC provided prior to the UK leaving the EU, it will stay valid till the expiry date on the card. You can make an application for a new card as much as 6 months before your existing card ends.