EHIC, GHIC & E111: Free Healthcare in Europe Explained

If you're an EU, EEA, or UK citizen travelling within Europe, you may be entitled to free or reduced-cost state healthcare using a simple card. Known as the EHIC (European Health Insurance Card), GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card for UK citizens post-Brexit), or historically the E111 form, this card gives you access to the same public healthcare as locals in the country you're visiting.

It's not travel insurance — but it's an essential safety net that every eligible traveller should carry.

The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) entitles you to state-provided medical treatment on the same terms as residents of the country you're visiting. It was introduced in 2004 to replace the old E111 paper form.

The card is free, valid for up to 5 years, and covers you for:

• Medically necessary treatment during a temporary stay
• Treatment of pre-existing conditions
• Routine maternity care
• Chronic disease management (e.g., dialysis, oxygen therapy)

Since 1 January 2021 (Brexit), UK residents are no longer eligible for a new EHIC. Instead, the UK government issues the GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card), which provides similar — but not identical — reciprocal healthcare coverage in EU countries.

The EHIC/GHIC is not a replacement for travel insurance. Critical gaps include:

• Medical repatriation: If you need to be flown home, the EHIC won't pay for it. A medical evacuation flight can cost €10,000–€100,000+.
• Private hospitals: In countries like Spain, Greece, and Italy, private hospitals near tourist areas may not accept the EHIC. You'll need to find a public hospital or pay out of pocket.
• Ski/adventure sports: Mountain rescue, helicopter evacuation, and search-and-rescue costs are never covered.
• Co-payments: Many countries require co-payments (e.g., France reimburses 70%, you pay 30%). The EHIC doesn't eliminate these.

1. Go to a state/public hospital or doctor. Present your EHIC/GHIC at reception. In many countries, you'll be treated for free or at the local co-payment rate.
2. If asked to pay upfront (common in France, Belgium), keep all receipts. You can claim reimbursement from the country's health authority or your home insurer.
3. For pre-arranged treatment (e.g., dialysis), contact the hospital in advance and confirm they accept EHIC. Book well ahead — popular tourist areas have high demand.
4. In an emergency, go to the nearest hospital regardless. The EHIC applies to all medically necessary treatment, including emergency ambulance transport.

The EHIC is valid in all 27 EU member states plus Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland:

UK GHIC holders: Your card works in all 27 EU countries listed above, but not in Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, or Switzerland. See the EHIC vs GHIC section for details on separate bilateral agreements.

The card also covers the overseas territories of EU countries — including the Canary Islands, Madeira, Azores, French overseas departments (Guadeloupe, Martinique, Réunion, French Guiana, Mayotte), and the Balearic Islands.

• 💳Apply 2–3 weeks before travel. Postal delivery can take 7–10 working days. If you're leaving sooner, ask for a Provisional Replacement Certificate (PRC).
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦Every family member needs their own card — including children. You can apply for the whole family in one application.
• 🏥Ask for a public hospital. In tourist areas, private clinics may approach you first. They often don't accept EHIC and charge premium rates.
• 🧾Keep all receipts. If you pay upfront, you can reclaim costs from your national health authority when you return home.
• 📱Check the EHIC app. Some countries offer official apps (e.g., EU's "National Contact Points" tool) to find the nearest public hospital that accepts EHIC.
• ⚠️The card is NOT valid for residents. If you move to another EU country, you need to register with the local health system. The EHIC is only for temporary visits.