🇪🇺 EU / International

EHIC / GHIC Health Card

Emergency Healthcare in EU/EEA Countries

Easy ~5 min HealthTravelInsuranceEU

/ What is this form?

The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) gives EU/EEA citizens access to state-provided healthcare during temporary stays in other EU/EEA countries and Switzerland, at the same cost as local residents. UK citizens now apply for the GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card) instead.

The card covers necessary medical treatment that cannot wait until you return home — emergency care, treatment of chronic conditions, routine maternity care. It does not cover private treatment, repatriation, or mountain rescue.

Application is free and the card is valid for 3–5 years depending on your country.

/ Who needs this form?

EU/EEA citizens traveling within the EU/EEA and Switzerland
UK citizens traveling to EU/EEA countries (apply for GHIC)

/ What you need before you start

National Insurance number or social security number

Personal details (name, date of birth, address)

/ Step-by-step guide

1 Apply Through Your National Health Service

EU citizens apply through their national health authority. UK citizens apply for a GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card) through NHS.

2 Provide Personal Details

Enter your name, date of birth, and national insurance or social security number.

3 Receive Card by Post

The card arrives by post within 7–10 days. It's free of charge.

4 Use When Traveling

Present the card when accessing state-provided healthcare in EU/EEA countries. It does not replace travel insurance.

/ Key fields explained

Field	What to enter	Common mistake
Social security number	Your national health or social insurance number used in your home country.	Using the wrong identifier — check which number your national authority requires.

/ Common mistakes to avoid

Thinking EHIC replaces travel insurance — it does not cover repatriation or all eventualities.

Not renewing before expiry — always check your card is valid before traveling.

UK citizens applying for EHIC instead of GHIC — post-Brexit, UK residents need GHIC.

/ Frequently asked questions

Does the EHIC cover everything?

No. It covers state-provided, medically necessary treatment at local resident cost. It does not cover private treatment, repatriation, or non-emergency care. Always have comprehensive travel insurance in addition.