Many families are aware of the concept of the EHIC system – the reciprocal healthcare agreements between European countries which allow travellers to access state healthcare across the continent while on holiday or business. Although awareness of the system is fairly high, the way in which EHIC works is not as widely understood. One of the major areas of confusion is how children get cover, who has to apply, and when.

Children Need Their Own EHIC

Unlike travel insurance where it’s possible to take out one policy to cover the whole family, EHIC requires each child to have their own card. This card will have to be presented if you need to access healthcare for your child overseas, so it has to be arranged before you leave the UK. Each member of the family – even the smallest newborn baby – has to have their own EHIC. There is no way around this system, and if you risk travelling without EHICs in the names of your children and then try to access healthcare, you are likely to be charged the full cost of treatment, or turned away.

Applying for EHIC for your Children

Children under the age of 16 cannot apply for their own EHIC, this has to be done by a parent or guardian on their behalf. Children aged 17, 18 or older who are still living at home or who are in higher education will also need EHIC in their own name, but can apply for their own cards if they wish to do so. When applying, parents will need to give their child’s basic personal details such as full name (ensuring this matches exactly to their name as stated on their passport), date of birth, address and NHS or CHI number. In addition, the parent will also have to complete their own details. Not everyone who is resident in the UK is entitled to EHIC cover, and children could well be eligible in cases where parents are not. The eligibility criteria are complex, so make sure you and your child are eligible before going ahead with the application. If you cannot find your NHS number required for the application, this can be found on the “red book” supplied to you in hospital which records the child’s vaccinations and health checks, or your GP practice should be able to help. National Insurance numbers are also required to apply, and this number, which is in the form XY 12 34 56 A will be stated on your payslip or Child Benefit documentation.

Adding a New Baby to your EHIC

Adding a new baby to your EHIC cover is also relatively straightforward. This can only be done once the baby has been born. This is because any EHIC application requires an NHS number in England and Wales, a CHI number in Scotland or a H&C number in Northern Ireland, and this number is allocated at birth. If you are planning to travel overseas relatively soon after your baby is born, do not delay in applying for the EHIC.