Important Information
regarding health
care in Europe

If you are a UK resident you are entitled to reduced cost (sometimes free), state provided health care treatment which becomes necessary when visiting a European Union (EU) country, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland.

To benefit from this you will need to take a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) with you.

The EHIC, which is free, has been introduced to replace the old E111 form. If you are planning to travel to one of these countries you should apply for an EHIC.

The level of benefit provided by the EHIC card depends on the country visited and may not cover all treatment costs and services that are free through the NHS, therefore the EHIC is complementary to travel insurance and not an alternative.

Travel insurance provides many benefits including rescue services, additional accommodation and travel costs incurred as a result of needing treatment or repatriation costs back to the UK. It also provides cover for other events such as holiday cancellation, missed departure and baggage etc.

The quickest and easiest way to apply for an EHIC is online at www.dh.gov.uk/travellers (delivery within 7 days).

Alternatively, you can apply:

• by calling 0845 606 2030 (delivery within 10 days), or
• pick up an application pack from the Post Office (delivery within 21 days).