Thousands of UK travellers heading to Europe every year apply for their EHIC – the European Health Insurance Card. This handy little card allows UK citizens to access state health care across the countries of the European Economic Area either free of charge, or at minimal cost. EHIC can be used in emergency situations, for minor ailments and also for treatment for chronic or ongoing conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure. Given all of the benefits of having an EHIC, it’s hardly surprising that so many people are applying. But is the www nhs uk ehic website really the best place for your EHIC application?

Advantages of www nhs uk ehic Website

  1. Cost: The main benefit of using the NHS official portal to apply for EHIC cards for the whole family is that this service is free of charge. You can either apply online, print off a form which you complete by hand and send by post, or pick up a form from your doctor’s surgery.
  2. Recognised Provider: We’re all familiar with the NHS. It’s a recognised and trusted brand, and one of the UK’s biggest employers.
  3. Linked Information: Along with information about applying for EHIC, the NHS website contains and huge amount of information for anyone planning on travelling overseas; everything from details about health alerts and vaccinations required to details on how the health service works in each EEA country.

Disadvantages of www nhs uk ehic Website

  1. Impersonal / Lack of Support: If you’ve never applied for an EHIC before, aren’t sure about how to complete the form or find the required information, it can be hard to get help instantly. The NHS does have a helpline available, but it often gets very busy and is only open during office hours – not much good for workers trying to complete EHIC forms at weekends.
  2. Renewals: Using the NHS website puts the onus on the card holder to remember when their EHIC is about to expire, and then log on and renew the card. Many other sites offer a reminders service which will email you before expiry, or even do the renewal on your behalf.
  3. No checking facility: The EHIC form isn’t terribly complex when compared with a passport or Benefits application, but if you fill it in incorrectly or omit information, it will be returned to you to complete again. If you’re in a rush to get EHIC cover before a holiday, you may not wish to take the risk of experiencing a delay.
  4. Guidance on eligibility: For most people who were born in the UK and have lived there all their lives, their eligibility for EHIC is clear. For many people born elsewhere, students, or with permanent leave to remain, the situation is a lot more complicated. It can be very difficult to get concrete advice from the NHS on individual situations.
  5. Lack of Updates: Once you’ve submitted your application on the NHS website, they won’t contact you to let you know your application has been received, is being processed or dispatched.