NHS 111 can assist if you have an immediate medical problem and you are uncertain what to do. To get assist 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 need to do

If you are visiting the UK from an EU country and you fall ill or have a medical emergency during your short-term stay in England, you can use a valid European Medical insurance Card (EHIC) released by your home country to gain access to healthcare.

You will need to bring your EHIC if you are qualified to use it in the UK.

The EHIC is not an alternative to take a trip insurance coverage. It will not cover any private medical healthcare, prepared treatment, being flown back home, or lost or stolen home. We suggest that you also have travel or health insurance that covers the period of your trip.

Emergency health care in England

This details has to do with getting healthcare in England.

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

The NHS runs a residence-based healthcare system. This suggests visitors to England may need to pay for NHS health care, depending upon their scenarios.

Some services, such as mishap and emergency situation (A&E) and check outs to a general practitioner (GP), are totally free to everyone.

Urgent treatment or treatment that can not safely wait up until you leave the country and return home will constantly be offered, and the matter of payment handled later on. Only a clinician can decide if your treatment is urgent or right away essential.

Treatment, coverage & costs

General Practice medical professionals (GPs)

- Primary care services, including treatment by a General Practitioner (GP) is provided free of charge by National Health Service (NHS) doctors (family doctors - GPs). Find a general doctor near you.


Dentists

- All NHS oral treatment that is scientifically needed is offered at a basic non-refundable charge. Find a dental professional near you.


Hospital treatment (NHS)

- Apart from emergency situation care, healthcare facility treatment is arranged through your physician (GP), dental professional or optician. Most treatment at NHS medical facilities is totally free 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 medically essential state provided medical treatment free of charge. The card does not cover organized treatment.


Prescriptions

- You can get recommended medications from any drug store on presentation of a prescription. Find a drug store near you.

- Prescribed medicines are charged at a standard non-refundable prescription rate.


Ambulance

- Necessary ambulance transport is complimentary of charge.

Reimbursement

- In the UK, treatment is frequently complimentary of charge, so there is no refund system.

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

- If you need to pay for care, call your national health insurance coverage provider as soon as you return home to seek compensation.

Patient contribution

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

Standard charges that should be paid by patients make an application for NHS dentists.

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

Dialysis, oxygen & chemotherapy

- Oxygen treatment and dialysis require to be organized with a healthcare supplier in advance of your stay in England.

Details of oxygen providers in England.

Details of renal dialysis units

Doctors & healthcare facilities accepting the EHIC

- Most treatments at NHS health centers are complimentary if you have a valid European Medical insurance Card (EHIC). Find a medical facility near you or discover a basic physician (GP) near you

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

Coverage for UK residents checking out the EU

If you are going to 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 medically necessary treatment.

Differences in between the available cards

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

- a UK Global Health Insurance Card (UK GHIC).

- a UK European Health Insurance Card (UK EHIC), if you have rights under the Withdrawal Agreement.


For many people, the UK Global Health Insurance Card (UK GHIC) replaces the existing European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for new applications.

Further information on how to use for an EHIC or GHIC

How to utilize your card

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

Medically needed healthcare implies health care that can not fairly wait till you return to the UK. Whether treatment is required is chosen by the doctor in the country you're visiting.

Further details on countries where your card stands

If you have an existing EHIC

If you have an existing EHIC released prior to the UK leaving the EU, it will stay legitimate till the expiry date on the card. You can request a brand-new card up to 6 months before your current card expires.