European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)

Simple, online application form for both new and replacement EHIC cards
Worry-free application process
Application checked and verified
We offer 24/7 Telephone and Email support

The European Health Insurance Card (commonly known as 'EHIC'), replaced the E111 form, which was phased out early in 2006. The card entitles the holder to state-funded (sometimes free) medical care, where it is deemed medically necessary, whilst they are temporarily located in any EEA (European Economic Area) country. Essentially, this is a reciprocal healthcare scheme between the governments of all EEA countries. Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland are also included in the scheme. Please read the EHIC Facts section below.
This website is not connected to or affiliated with the NHS or any government department. Click here for NHS:

Applying for EHIC - your options:

Important instructions for your application:

EHIC facts & essential information:

1. Online at this website - will give you the added peace of mind that your application has been thoroughly checked before submission. Approximately one third of applications received by us contain one or more errors. Cost: £14.99 (standard processing), £19.99 (express processing - we guarantee to check & send your application within 6 hours of receipt or we will refund the extra £5).
N.B. You should allow up to 2 weeks for your card(s) to arrive. Opting for express processing means that we will prioritise processing your application, however, the actual delivery time is dependent upon the NHS and Royal Mail's delivery service. In either case, the EHIC is free - you are paying for us to check your application, contact you where appropriate, and submit your application for processing.
2. Online at the NHSBSA website - There is no application review service, and no service fee (the EHIC is free of charge). N.B. the NHSBSA website is not open 24/7 (it's generally inaccessible for several hours overnight). You should allow up to 2 weeks for your card(s) to arrive.
3. At the Post Office - it used to be possible to pay a fee at your local post office for them to check and send your application, but this service has now been withdrawn.
4. By telephone - call 0845 606 2030 to use the NHSBSA Automated Telephone Service. No application review service, but no cost (except for the cost of the call itself). You should allow up to 2 weeks for your card(s) to arrive.

New Applications:

For each applicant to be included on the form, you will need:

1. Full name
2. Date of birth (main applicant MUST be over 16)
3. Address including postcode (you only enter this once - for main applicant)
4. EITHER National Insurance (NI) number (in the format AA123456B), OR your 10 digit NHS number, for main applicant and partner. For children aged under 18 included on the same form, you may enter the NI or NHS number of the main applicant.
5. If you already have your EHIC and are applying, for example, for your infant child, you must enter your own details as main applicant - the form cannot be processed with anyone under 16 entered as main applicant.

Renewal Applications:

For EHIC renewals, in addition to above, you will need your EHIC PIN. This is printed on your current card, and starts with the letters UK, followed by either 7 or 8 digits.

Lost or Stolen Cards:

Please call NHSBSA direct on 0845 606 2030. Your card(s) will be replaced free of charge.

All UK residents are entitled to an European Health Insurance Card, and should carry their card with them whenever they visit any country covered by the scheme.

The card is personal to each individual, so even infants need a card in their own name.

EHICs are issued free via the NHSBSA and you may apply direct without incurring any verification service fee.

The reciprocal healthcare arrangement covered by the scheme does NOT entitle you to free or low cost treatment where you are travelling abroad specifically for such treatment. It is designed to provide healthcare where it is deemed medically necessary. This can, however, include situations where you have a pre-existing condition and the need for medical attention arises whilst abroad.

It is absolutely essential that you take out appropriate travel insurance - EHIC is NOT a substitute. You will find that many travel insurance companies now insist that you also have an EHIC when travelling to any of the countries covered by the scheme - or at least will give you better terms if you have a valid EHIC.

EHICs issued in the UK to UK residents are valid for 5 years only. After this time, you will need to apply to renew your card.

APPLY ONLINE

IMPORTANT: For the avoidance of doubt, please note that this website is not connected to, or affiliated with, the NHSBSA, Department of Health, or any Government office. This is an independent, third-party website, offering an EHIC application review and verification service, for which a fee is payable. The fee is PER FORM and up to 2 adults and up to 4 of their dependent children aged under 18 may be included on a single application form. You do not have to have your application reviewed prior to submission, and, if you decide that the service we offer is not appropriate to your needs, you may apply direct to the NHSBSA without incurring any charge.