Apply for your European Health Insurance card
By Darren Cronian on Monday, July 7th, 2008

If you are a UK resident then the European health insurance card is essential if you are travelling in a European Union country, including Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland because it provides you with reduced cost or sometimes free medical treatment.

Apply for your European Health Insurance card

Yet the UK government, or the NHS do not appear to actively promote this card at this peak time.

You can sign-up for the card online, or telephone 0845 606 2030

It is important that every family member who is travelling applies for the European Health Insurance card, and even if you are travelling within the next few weeks I would advise you to apply for one. It only took 4 business days from registering online for the card to land on my doorstep.

More information can be found on the European Health Insurance card website.


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7 responses to “Apply for your European Health Insurance card”

Rohan | 8 July, 2008 at 10:05 pm

Darren how long does the card last, do we have to renew it yearly?

Darren Cronian | 8 July, 2008 at 10:59 pm

@ Rohan

Thanks for leaving a question, and a good one too. The EHIC lasts for five years and you are allowed to apply for a renewal, up to six months prior to the renewal date. You’ll find the renewal date on the front of the card.

j marshall | 22 July, 2008 at 9:06 am

itv have just broadcast that the health card only lasts for a year and you have to apply yearly can you clarify please

Darren Cronian | 5 August, 2008 at 12:29 am

@ J Marshall

Apologies, I forgot to reply.

No, the EHIC lasts for five years, that’s my what card says, and it says this on the EHIC website. Not sure where ITV got their information from but they probably need to consult my blog for travel information in future! ;)

A Taylor | 12 August, 2008 at 1:54 pm

I got my card in 2006, but it runs out Jan 2009, yet you say you it lasts for five years?

J Marshall | 12 August, 2008 at 4:20 pm

itv have got it wrong again……….thanks

Darren Cronian | 12 August, 2008 at 4:31 pm

@ A Taylor

I am only relaying the information provided by the NHS website. Please read their Frequently Asked Questions page which it states that the EHIC will last up to 5 years.

https://www.ehic.org.uk/Internet/frequentlyAsked.do

I hope this helps.

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