However, it's important to remember that the EHIC does not replace travel insurance. The EHIC will give you the same rights to access the healthcare system of the country you're staying in as a resident has, which means you will be entitled to any medical treatment that is covered as a statutory right in that country.
Remember – it's free to renew an EHIC, or to apply for a new one – be aware of unofficial application or renewal sites that may charge a fee. This is the official government website for EHIC, you can apply to renew your card here.
Once your EHIC has expired, you'll be able to replace it with a GHIC. You can get a provisional replacement certificate (PRC) if you need treatment abroad and do not have a card. An EHIC or GHIC is free of charge. Your card will normally arrive within 10 days.
The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) lets you get healthcare in another EU or European Economic Area (EEA) state for free, or at a reduced cost. It covers you if you are on holiday, or on a short-term stay. A short-term stay is generally accepted as for a period of less than 3 months.
An EHIC or GHIC covers state healthcare, not private treatment. With an EHIC or GHIC you can get medically necessary treatment in Spain on the same basis as a Spanish citizen. This means that you'll get healthcare services for free or at a reduced cost. Make sure you have both before you travel to Spain.
The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is issued free of charge and allows anyone who is insured by or covered by a statutory social security scheme of the EEA countries and Switzerland to receive medical treatment in another member state free or at a reduced cost, if that treatment becomes necessary during their
Not covered. Travel insurance includes some major benefits that health insurance plans don't offer. When you buy international travel insurance from Allianz Global Assistance, you're not just getting benefits to cover emergency medical expenses.
Though you may pay 5 to 10 percent of your trip cost for travel insurance, travel insurance is often worth the investment for its potential to help reimburse you for hundreds of thousands of dollars of covered travel-related expenses like emergency evacuation, medical bills, and costs related to trip cancellation and
It's easy to check the expiry date of your EHIC – it's the date at the bottom right of the card, where it says, er, 'expiry date'. EHICs last five years, and you can apply to renew one up to six months before it's due to expire.
You can notify us of the correct spelling or your change of name by calling us. We do not require any evidence of your name change. To notify us, please contact us on: 0300 330 1350 if you are calling from the UK.
Family members of citizens of EU countries, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland. In certain circumstances, they may be able to apply direct to the EU Settlement Scheme from overseas. This will secure their entitlement to free healthcare in the UK.
Travel insurance is something you should take out as soon as you've booked your holiday. This is because it's possible you might have to cancel your trip after booking but before you've actually left. For example: You may get injured or fall too ill to travel.
Yes, even when travelling in Europe, insurance is a wise idea. The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is also a good addition to your travel documentation. The EHIC/GHIC will only cover emergency medical care in the local equivalent of an NHS hospital. It won't cover treatment if you're taken to a private hospital.
If you're abroad and do not have your EHIC with youYou'll need to apply for a PRC by calling Overseas Healthcare Services at the NHS Business Services Authority on +44 (0)191 218 1999, Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm. Someone else can apply for a PRC on your behalf.
Once you´re in the system as pensioner living in Spain, there´s no more need to fill out any forms, you can renew by calling 0044 1912181999. (+44) 191 279 0575 or email You have to give the number of your card which begins with UK & then the number, confirm date of birth, & address.
If you have changed address or your name since your last Card was issued you will need to contact your Local Health Office. You should apply well in advance of the date you plan to travel. You can apply to renew your European Health Insurance Card online. Select the Renew Current Card option at the top of the screen.
