NHS 111 can assist if you have an urgent medical problem and you are uncertain 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 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 nation and you fall ill or have a medical emergency during your short-term stay in England, you can utilize a legitimate 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 coverage. It will not cover any personal medical health care, planned treatment, being flown back home, or lost or taken residential or commercial property. We advise that you likewise have travel or health insurance that covers the duration of your trip.

Emergency health care in England

This info is about getting healthcare in England.

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

The NHS runs a residence-based healthcare system. This implies visitors to England may need to spend for NHS healthcare, depending on their scenarios.

Some services, such as mishap and emergency situation (A&E) and visits to a family doctor (GP), are free to everybody.

Urgent treatment or treatment that can not securely wait until you leave the nation and return home will always be supplied, and the matter of payment handled later on. Only a clinician can decide if your treatment is immediate or right away essential.

Treatment, coverage & expenses

General Practice physicians (GPs)

- Primary care services, including treatment by a Family doctor (GP) is offered complimentary of charge by National Health Service (NHS) medical professionals (basic specialists - GPs). Find a basic physician near you.
Dentists

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

- Apart from emergency situation care, medical facility treatment is arranged through your doctor (GP), dental expert or optician. Most treatment at NHS medical facilities is complimentary if you have a legitimate European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Find a medical facility near you.
- As a visitor with a valid card you are entitled to all scientifically needed state supplied medical treatment free of charge. The card does not cover planned treatment.
Prescriptions

- You can get recommended medicines from any pharmacy on presentation of a prescription. Find a pharmacy near you.
- Prescribed medicines are charged at a standard non-refundable prescription rate.
Ambulance

- Necessary ambulance transport is free of charge.


Reimbursement

- In the UK, treatment is frequently complimentary of charge, so there is no refund system.
- When standard charges are used (such as fees for NHS dental professionals or prescription charges), these are not refundable in the UK.
- If you need to spend for care, call your national health insurance service provider when you return home to look for compensation.


Patient contribution

- In the UK, treatment is usually free of charge, but you need to reveal your EHIC when accessing health care.
Standard charges that should be paid by clients make an application for NHS dental practitioners.
- There is also a charge for prescriptions, in England only, which is payable at the drug store. Prescriptions in Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales are totally free of charge.


Dialysis, oxygen & chemotherapy

- Oxygen treatment and dialysis need to be arranged with a health care provider in advance of your stay in England.
Details of oxygen providers in England.
Details of renal dialysis systems


Doctors & medical facilities accepting the EHIC

- Most treatments at NHS health centers are totally free if you have a legitimate European Medical insurance Card (EHIC). Find a medical facility near you or find a general physician (GP) near you
- More info about accessing NHS services in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.


Coverage for UK citizens visiting the EU

If you are going to an EU Member State from the UK, you can utilize a UK Global Health Insurance Card (UK GHIC) or a UK European Health Insurance Card (UK EHIC) to gain access to clinically essential treatment.

Differences in between the available cards

There are 2 kinds of cover offered for individuals guaranteed by the UK. You can request either:

- a UK Global Health Insurance Card (UK GHIC).
- a UK European Medical Insurance Card (UK EHIC), if you have rights under the Withdrawal Agreement.
For many individuals, the UK Global Health Insurance Card (UK GHIC) changes the existing European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for new applications.

Further details on how to look for an EHIC or GHIC

How to use your card

You can utilize your card to access clinically needed state-provided health care when you're checking out an EU nation.

Medically needed healthcare suggests healthcare that can not reasonably wait till you come back to the UK. Whether treatment is needed is chosen by the doctor in the nation you're visiting.

Further info on nations where your card is valid

If you have an existing EHIC

If you have an existing EHIC released prior to the UK leaving the EU, it will stay valid up until the expiration date on the card. You can make an application for a new card as much as 6 months before your existing card expires.