For UK residents used to the National Health Service, accessing medical services overseas may initially seem complicated. Forward planning for any overseas trip will help you deal successfully with any medical emergencies that may arise.
Emergency medical treatment in the European Economic Area (EEA)
In most cases, if you are a Scottish/UK resident you are entitled to free or reduced cost emergency medical treatment when visiting a country within the EEA and Switzerland. There are some exceptions for Scottish/UK residents who are not EEA nationals visiting Denmark, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.
Only treatment provided under the state scheme of the country you are visiting is covered. To obtain treatment you will need a valid EHIC (European Health Insurance Card). The EHIC replaced the Form E111 and is normally valid for three to five years. If travelling in the EEA, it is important to check your EHIC has not expired.
You can apply for an EHIC for yourself and each member of your family at the same time. An application form can be obtained from the Post Office, or alternatively the Department of Health’s website provides details on how to apply online or by telephone.
When applying you will need the following information for each person:
- name and date of birth
- NHS number in England and Wales (CHI number in Scotland or Health and Care number in Northern Ireland) or national insurance number
Reciprocal health care agreements
If you are visiting a country outside the European Economic Area (EEA) it is advisable to have private health insurance. However, agreements are in place with certain countries outside the EEA for the provision of emergency medical treatment for UK nationals that are living in the UK.
This will be at a reduced cost or in some cases treatment may be free. Reciprocal agreements only cover urgently needed treatment. Whilst this is provided on the same basis as if you are a resident of the country you are visiting, the range of available treatment may not be as broad as under the NHS. In any case, proof of UK residence is normally required, such as your passport, driving licence or medical card. Any charges incurred will not be refunded so you should ensure that you have sufficient medical insurance to cover such costs.
A list of countries with reciprocal agreements and the services available can be obtained from the Department of Health website.
Health care in countries without agreements with the UK
The majority of countries do not have any sort of health care agreements with the UK therefore you will need to pay for any medical treatment you may receive. It is worth planning ahead and ensuring that you arrange appropriate medical insurance for the country you are visiting prior to leaving the UK as even minor treatment can be very expensive.
For further information on where to go for help click on the web links below.
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