Medical care abroad - EHIC

Stress-free solutions to arranging all those important travel documents.

Did you know that you can access state provided healthcare that becomes necessary if you fall il or have an accident during your visit in Europe? That's as long as you carry a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).

The E111 form has been replaced by the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) so if you are a UK resident, you can apply for an EHIC by any of the means shown below.

The EHIC entitles the holder to free or reduced cost, state-provided medical treatment if you fall ill or have an accident while visiting any country in the European Economic Area (EEA). Please note that an EHIC is not a substitute for comprehensive travel insurance. If you claim medical expenses under your Post Office® Travel Insurance policy and you use your EHIC entitlement, your policy excess will be waived. Check out our great value Post Office® Travel Insurance.

Who's eligible?
You're eligible to use an EHIC if you are a UK resident. Your EHIC is valid for 5 years.

Who's covered?
EHICs are issued on an individual basis. All individual travellers are therefore required to carry their own EHIC, regardless of age.

Useful information

only state-provided emergency treatment is covered. You generally won't be covered for private treatment
the EHIC pack and form, is available from selected Post Office® branches along with details of the countries covered by the EHIC scheme

How to apply
You can apply for an EHIC by any of the following means:

branch: Pick up an application form at selected Post Office® branches. Find your nearest branch by calling 08457 22 33 44*. Once you’ve filled in the form you can either use our EHIC Check & Send service or post it yourself.
Check & Send service: For just £1.96 per application form we'll check and validate the form and post it for you. This service offers the convenience, ease and reassurance that the form is completed correctly.
online: By visiting www.ehic.org.uk/Internet/home.do (this link will open in a new window)
telephone: By calling the EHIC Application Line (0845 606 2030)

*Calls may be monitored and used for training purposes.