Despite the UK’s very recent decision to leave the EU, at the moment it’s very much business as usual. That means that if you are planning a visit to any of the countries within the European Economic Area (EEA) for a holiday or on business, you can still take advantage of the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) scheme, which allows you to access state healthcare at the same charge as locals, or free of charge in some cases. It’s a card which could save you a fortune if you fall ill overseas, and getting one doesn’t have to be complicated.
Online Applications
Perhaps the easiest way to apply for your EHIC is online. The NHS website offers the card free of charge, but you will need to register in order to do that. EHIC Direct charge a small fee for putting your application through for you, but also offer a range of additional services such as Registering your account , Checking the information provided before submitting , sending out renewal reminders as well as real UK based friendly staff to help you with your application for you or your family. We will also send you a txt message notification when it is time to renew your card. Remember that you will need to apply for a separate EHIC for each member of the family, although this can be done by entering everyone’s details on the same page. Online applications are the best option for busy families as the website is available 24 hours a day.
Postal Applications
Gone are the days where you could pick up an application form for your EHIC at the Post Office, fill it in and then post it off. You cannot pick up an EHIC application form in the Post Office, doctors or anywhere else. If you prefer to use the pen and paper method, you’ll have to first either log onto the website and print off the application form, or phone the helpline and ask for one to be sent to you. This is a long-winded way of getting your EHIC, and if time is of the essence, it just adds another layer of bureaucracy to the whole process. For a quick EHIC application for you or your family you can fill out our online form.
Phone Applications
It is also possible to apply for your EHIC over the telephone. This is a good option for people whose entitlement to EHIC isn’t as clear cut as the majority of UK citizens. Someone born overseas, with children born in the UK or who isn’t a UK passport holder may still be able to apply for a UK issued EHIC, but may need to discuss their options with an expert over the phone. You can contact our friendly team on 0844 559 1069 Monday to Friday where someone will be able to assist you. If you want to speak with the NHS directly you can call them on 0300 330 1350, the downside of the NHS telephone line is that is it only open 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday, and 9am to 3pm on a Saturday, the majority of which an automatic voice automated service. The telephone helpline can also help with lost EHIC cards, and with emergency replacements if you need medical assistance overseas.