NHS 111 can help if you have an immediate medical problem and you are not exactly 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 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 checking out the UK from an EU nation and you fall ill or have a medical emergency during your temporary 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 require to bring your EHIC if you are eligible to utilize it in the UK.

The EHIC is not an alternative to travel insurance coverage. It will not cover any health care, planned treatment, being flown back home, or lost or taken home. We recommend that you likewise have travel or medical insurance that covers the duration of your trip.

Emergency health care in England

This info is about getting health care in England.

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

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

Some services, such as accident and emergency situation (A&E) and sees to a general professional (GP), are free to everyone.

Urgent treatment or treatment that can not safely wait up until you leave the nation and return home will constantly be offered, and the matter of payment handled later. Only a clinician can choose if your treatment is urgent or immediately necessary.

Treatment, protection & expenses

General Practice physicians (GPs)

- Medical care services, including treatment by a General Practitioner (GP) is provided complimentary of charge by National Health Service (NHS) medical professionals (family doctors - GPs). Find a general physician near you.
Dentists

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

- Apart from emergency situation care, health center treatment is organized through your medical professional (GP), dental professional or optician. Most treatment at NHS healthcare facilities is complimentary if you have a legitimate European Medical insurance Card (EHIC). Find a health center near you.
- As a visitor with a valid card you are entitled to all medically essential state offered medical treatment totally free of charge. The card does not cover planned treatment.
Prescriptions

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

- Necessary ambulance transportation is free of charge.


Reimbursement

- In the UK, treatment is usually complimentary of charge, so there is no refund system.
- When basic charges are applied (such as costs for NHS dentists or prescription charges), these are not refundable in the UK.
- If you have to spend for care, call your national medical insurance supplier when you return home to look for repayment.


Patient contribution

- In the UK, treatment is most often totally free of charge, but you should show your EHIC when accessing healthcare.
Standard charges that should be paid by clients apply for NHS dental practitioners.
- There is also 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 treatment and dialysis need to be arranged with a health care company in advance of your remain in England.
Details of oxygen suppliers in England.
Details of kidney dialysis units


Doctors & hospitals accepting the EHIC

- Most treatments at NHS medical facilities are complimentary if you have a valid European Medical insurance Card (EHIC). Find a hospital near you or discover a basic medical professional (GP) near you
- More details about accessing NHS services in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.


Coverage for UK homeowners checking out the EU

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

Differences in between the readily available cards

There are 2 types of cover readily available for people guaranteed by the UK. You can use for 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 the majority of people, the UK Global Health Insurance Card (UK GHIC) replaces the existing European Medical insurance Card (EHIC) for brand-new applications.

Further information on how to obtain an EHIC or GHIC

How to utilize your card

You can use your card to gain access to medically necessary state-provided healthcare when you're going to an EU country.

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

Further details 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 remain valid up until the expiration date on the card. You can look for a new card approximately 6 months before your existing card ends.