European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)

With the exception of visitors from the Republic of Ireland, a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or Provisional Replacement Certificate (PRC) can demonstrate that a visitor (including a student) is exempt from charge under the EU Regulations, and therefore entitled to free NHS treatment that is medically necessary during their visit.

The UK is able to recover the cost of treatment provided to any patient who is insured by another European Economic Area (EEA) state or Switzerland.

Visitors from Switzerland or the EEA (except Ireland) who do not provide an EHIC/PRC will be charged for their NHS hospital treatment.

EEA Countries Contact points:

These are countries where EEA visitors that do not carry European Health Insurance Cards can obtain a Provisional Replacement Certificate.