NHS 111 can assist if you have an immediate medical problem and you are not sure what to do. To get assist from NHS 111 go to 111. nhs.uk or call 111.
- More information about accessing healthcare services in England
- More information 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 situation throughout your temporary stay in England, you can utilize a legitimate European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) released 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. It will not cover any private medical healthcare, planned treatment, being flown back home, or lost or taken home. We suggest that you also have travel or medical insurance that covers the period of your trip.

Emergency healthcare in England

This information has to do with getting health care in England.

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

The NHS operates a residence-based health care system. This indicates visitors to England may have to spend for NHS health care, depending on their situations.

Some services, such as mishap and emergency (A&E) and sees to a family doctor (GP), are totally free to everyone.

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

Treatment, protection & costs

General Practice physicians (GPs)

- Medical care services, including treatment by a General Practitioner (GP) is supplied complimentary of charge by National Health Service (NHS) medical professionals (basic practitioners - GPs). Find a general doctor near you.
Dentists

- All NHS oral treatment that is scientifically necessary is supplied at a standard non-refundable charge. Find a dental practitioner near you.
Hospital treatment (NHS)

- Apart from emergency care, medical facility treatment is arranged through your physician (GP), dental professional or optician. Most treatment at NHS medical facilities is complimentary if you have a legitimate European Medical insurance Card (EHIC). Find a hospital near you.
- As a visitor with a legitimate card you are entitled to all clinically required state supplied medical treatment free of charge. The card does not cover organized treatment.
Prescriptions

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

- Necessary ambulance transportation is free of charge.


Reimbursement

- In the UK, treatment is usually totally free of charge, so there is no refund system.
- When standard charges are applied (such as charges 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 company as soon as you return home to look for reimbursement.


Patient contribution

- In the UK, treatment is usually free of charge, but you must show your EHIC when accessing healthcare.
Standard charges that need to be paid by clients request NHS dental experts.
- There is likewise a charge for prescriptions, in England only, which is payable at the pharmacy. Prescriptions in Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales are complimentary of charge.


Dialysis, oxygen & chemotherapy

- Oxygen therapy and dialysis require to be set up with a healthcare company in advance of your stay in England.
Details of oxygen providers in England.
Details of renal dialysis systems


Doctors & health centers accepting the EHIC

- Most treatments at NHS hospitals are free if you have a legitimate European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Find a healthcare 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 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 gain access to clinically necessary treatment.

Differences in between the offered cards

There are 2 types of cover readily available for people guaranteed by the UK. You can obtain 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 people, the UK Global Medical Insurance Card (UK GHIC) changes the existing European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for new applications.

Further information on how to make an application for an EHIC or GHIC

How to utilize your card

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

Medically required healthcare suggests health care that can not reasonably wait until you come back to the UK. Whether treatment is needed is chosen by the doctor in the nation you're checking out.

Further details on countries 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 remain valid up until the expiration date on the card. You can get a new card as much as 6 months before your present card expires.