NHS 111 can assist if you have an urgent medical issue and you are not sure 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 info 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 nation and you fall ill or have a medical emergency throughout your short-term stay in England, you can utilize a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) issued by your home nation to gain access to healthcare.

You will need to bring your EHIC if you are eligible to utilize it in the UK.

The EHIC is not an alternative to take a trip insurance. It will not cover any personal medical healthcare, planned treatment, being flown back home, or lost or stolen residential or commercial property. We suggest that you likewise have travel or medical insurance that covers the period of your journey.

Emergency health care in England

This information has to do with 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 indicates visitors to England might have to spend for NHS healthcare, depending upon their circumstances.

Some services, such as accident and emergency situation (A&E) and sees to a basic specialist (GP), are complimentary to everyone.

Urgent treatment or treatment that can not securely wait till you leave the country and return home will always be provided, and the matter of payment handled later on. Only a clinician can choose if your treatment is urgent or instantly needed.

Treatment, protection & expenses

General Practice physicians (GPs)

- Medical care services, including treatment by a Family doctor (GP) is offered totally free of charge by National Health Service (NHS) physicians (family doctors - GPs). Find a general medical professional near you.


Dentists

- All NHS dental treatment that is scientifically necessary is offered at a basic non-refundable charge. Find a dentist near you.


Hospital treatment (NHS)

- Apart from emergency care, health center treatment is organized through your doctor (GP), dentist or optician. Most treatment at NHS hospitals is totally free if you have a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Find a medical facility near you.

- As a visitor with a valid card you are entitled to all medically necessary state provided medical treatment complimentary of charge. The card does not cover organized treatment.


Prescriptions

- You can get prescribed medicines from any pharmacy on presentation of a prescription. Find a pharmacy near you.

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


Ambulance

- Necessary ambulance transportation is complimentary of charge.

Reimbursement

- In the UK, treatment is most typically free of charge, so there is no refund system.

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

- If you need to spend for care, contact your nationwide health insurance coverage provider as soon as you return home to seek reimbursement.

Patient contribution

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

Standard charges that must be paid by patients make an application for NHS dental professionals.

- 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 free of charge.

Dialysis, oxygen & chemotherapy

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

Details of oxygen providers in England.

Details of renal dialysis units

Doctors & medical facilities accepting the EHIC

- Most treatments at NHS hospitals are free if you have a valid European Medical insurance Card (EHIC). Find a health center near you or find a basic doctor (GP) near you

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

Coverage for UK locals 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 gain access to medically required treatment.

Differences between the offered cards

There are 2 types of cover readily available for people insured 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 a lot of people, the UK Global Health Insurance Card (UK GHIC) changes the existing European Medical insurance Card (EHIC) for new applications.

Further info on how to get an EHIC or GHIC

How to utilize your card

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

Medically needed healthcare implies health care that can not reasonably wait until you return to the UK. Whether treatment is required is decided by the doctor in the country you're checking out.

Further details on nations where your card is legitimate

If you have an existing EHIC

If you have an existing EHIC issued prior to the UK leaving the EU, it will stay legitimate until the expiration date on the card. You can look for a brand-new card up to 6 months before your existing card expires.