NHS 111 can assist if you have an immediate 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 information 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 throughout your short-lived stay in England, you can use a valid European Medical insurance Card (EHIC) provided by your home nation to access healthcare.

You will require 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 coverage. It will not cover any personal medical healthcare, planned treatment, being flown back home, or lost or stolen property. We suggest that you also have travel or medical insurance that covers the duration of your journey.

Emergency healthcare in England

This details is about getting health care in England.

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

The NHS operates a residence-based healthcare system. This implies visitors to England may need to pay for NHS healthcare, depending upon their circumstances.

Some services, such as accident and emergency (A&E) and check outs to a basic specialist (GP), are 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 choose if your treatment is urgent or right away necessary.

Treatment, coverage & expenses

General Practice doctors (GPs)

- Primary care services, consisting of treatment by a Family doctor (GP) is supplied complimentary of charge by National Health Service (NHS) doctors (general practitioners - GPs). Find a basic doctor near you.
Dentists

- All NHS oral treatment that is scientifically required is offered at a standard non-refundable charge. Find a dental expert near you.
Hospital treatment (NHS)

- Apart from emergency care, healthcare facility treatment is organized through your medical professional (GP), dental practitioner or optician. Most treatment at NHS healthcare 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 valid card you are entitled to all scientifically needed state supplied medical treatment free of charge. The card does not cover scheduled treatment.
Prescriptions

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

- Necessary ambulance transport 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 used (such as costs for NHS dental experts or prescription charges), these are not refundable in the UK.
- If you need to pay for care, contact your national medical insurance service provider as soon as you return home to look for compensation.


Patient contribution

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


Dialysis, oxygen & chemotherapy

- Oxygen treatment and dialysis require to be set up with a supplier in advance of your stay in England.
Details of oxygen providers in England.
Details of kidney dialysis units


Doctors & healthcare facilities accepting the EHIC

- Most treatments at NHS medical facilities are complimentary if you have a legitimate European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Find a hospital near you or find a general medical professional (GP) near you
- More info about accessing NHS services in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.


Coverage for UK homeowners going to the EU

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

Differences in between the readily available cards

There are 2 types of cover offered for individuals insured 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 a lot of individuals, the UK Global Health Insurance Card (UK GHIC) replaces the existing European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for new applications.

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

How to use your card

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

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

Further info on nations where your card is valid

If you have an existing EHIC

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