From Department of Health
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Last updated on
If you are an EU national planning to live in another EU country, be prepared for different social security systems, including health insurance.
What you have to do depends on your personal situation, the length of your stay and the terms of your current health insurance. Make sure you understand your particular case before going abroad.
If you're unsure about your rights and want to check before you get treatment, contact a National Contact Point for healthcare. There's at least one in each EU country, and they can tell you whether you will be entitled to reimbursement, and if there are any reimbursement ceilings.
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. The exception to this is a student who may be considered a visitor on a short-term stay up to a full academic year.
EHIC replaces the old E111 form. You need one for each member of your family. It's free and there's no charge to apply.
There are different ways to apply depending on:
