NHS 111 can help if you have an urgent medical issue and you are uncertain 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 info 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 temporary stay in England, you can utilize a legitimate European Medical insurance Card (EHIC) issued by your home nation to access health care.

You will require to bring your EHIC if you are qualified to utilize it in the UK.

The EHIC is not an option to travel insurance coverage. It will not cover any personal medical health care, prepared treatment, being flown back home, or lost or stolen property. We suggest that you also have travel or medical insurance that covers the duration of your trip.

Emergency healthcare in England

This details is about getting health care in England.

The way you access health care in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland could be various from England.

The NHS runs a residence-based health care system. This suggests visitors to England may need to spend for NHS health care, depending on their circumstances.

Some services, such as accident and emergency (A&E) and visits to a family doctor (GP), are complimentary to everyone.

Urgent treatment or treatment that can not securely wait until you leave the nation and return home will constantly be offered, and the matter of payment dealt with later on. Only a clinician can decide if your treatment is urgent or instantly essential.

Treatment, protection & costs

General Practice doctors (GPs)

- Primary care services, consisting of treatment by a General Practitioner (GP) is supplied complimentary of charge by National Health Service (NHS) doctors (family doctors - GPs). Find a basic physician near you.


Dentists

- All NHS dental treatment that is medically essential is provided at a basic non-refundable charge. Find a dental expert near you.


Hospital treatment (NHS)

- Apart from emergency care, medical facility treatment is arranged through your doctor (GP), dental expert or optician. Most treatment at NHS health centers is complimentary if you have a legitimate European Medical insurance Card (EHIC). Find a medical facility near you.

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


Prescriptions

- You can get prescribed medicines from any 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 most frequently totally free of charge, so there is no refund system.

- When basic charges are applied (such as costs for NHS dentists or prescription charges), these are not refundable in the UK.

- If you have to spend for care, contact your national medical insurance provider as soon as you return home to seek compensation.

Patient contribution

- In the UK, treatment is frequently totally free of charge, but you need to show your EHIC when accessing healthcare.

Standard charges that need to be paid by patients look for NHS dental practitioners.

- There is also a charge for prescriptions, in England just, which is payable at the drug store. Prescriptions in Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales are free of charge.

Dialysis, oxygen & chemotherapy

- Oxygen treatment and dialysis need to be arranged with a healthcare provider in advance of your stay in England.

Details of oxygen suppliers in England.

Details of kidney dialysis units

Doctors & healthcare facilities accepting the EHIC

- Most treatments at NHS healthcare facilities are complimentary if you have a valid European Medical insurance Card (EHIC). Find a hospital near you or find a general medical professional (GP) near you

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

Coverage for UK citizens going to the EU

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

Differences in between the available cards

There are 2 kinds of cover available for individuals guaranteed by the UK. You can obtain 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 new applications.

Further information on how to obtain an EHIC or GHIC

How to utilize your card

You can use your card to gain access to medically necessary state-provided health care when you're visiting an EU nation.

Medically required health care implies healthcare that can not fairly wait up until you return to the UK. Whether treatment is required is chosen by the doctor in the nation you're checking out.

Further info on nations where your card stands

If you have an existing EHIC

If you have an existing EHIC provided prior to the UK leaving the EU, it will stay legitimate until the expiry date on the card. You can make an application for a brand-new card up to 6 months before your current card ends.