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Travel and transport
Travel health and the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
Travel across the world is now so common that it is easy to forget to protect yourself against health risks in the country you are travelling to.
You may find it difficult and expensive to get health treatment in some countries but an EHIC will help cover the cost of state-provided treatment that becomes necessary when visiting countries in the European Economic Area. There are also things you can do before you go abroad to protect you and your family's health.
The European Health Insurance Card
Your EHIC, the replacement for the old E111, is valid throughout the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland (the EEA consists of the European Union plus Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway).
The card enables you to access reduced cost, sometimes free, state-provided healthcare that becomes necessary during your trip because of either illness or an accident. It also covers you for pre-existing conditions. Full details of cover and who's eligible can be found on the NHS Choices website. You can also apply online for an EHIC.
Is your EHIC still valid?
An EHIC is valid for between three and five years. To see if yours is still valid just check the expiry date on the card. You cannot use the card once it has expired so it is vital to check before you travel to another EEA country.
You can renew your card up to six months before the expiry date.
Protecting your health
- buy adequate and appropriate travel insurance
- check the NHS Choices website for the latest medical advice for travellers to the country you are going to
- find out what vaccinations you need at least six weeks before you travel - your GP's surgery will be able to tell you
- take enough supplies of any medication that you have been prescribed and carry a copy of the prescription with you
- carry any medical letters about your health condition to help doctors and nurses abroad if you are taken ill
- if you are travelling within the EEA or Switzerland, apply online, by phone, or at a post office for a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
Travelling with children
Contact your GP, practice nurse or travel clinic for up-to-date information on any immunisations your child may need.
Additional links
Health advice
Visit NHS Choices for health information - including travel health advice - and local services in England
Do it online
Useful contacts
Time to renew your EHIC?
EHICs issued in 2005 and early 2006 will soon need to be renewed. Don't risk travelling in Europe without a valid card.
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