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.
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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- Check renew date on your European Health Insurance card
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- European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) Advice
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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.
Charlotte | 26 June, 2009 at 9:54 am
hi can you tell me if our card covers us in tunisia please
Ray | 13 March, 2010 at 10:46 am
I thought the E111 was free. But when I tried to renew on line a charge of over £11 would have been levied. Is this charge incurred on all forms of renewal ?
Darren Cronian | 14 March, 2010 at 8:49 pm
@ Ray,
Don’t pay for the European Health Insurance card (formally E111) click on the link in my post. They are companies charging for this, don’t pay them!
Ray | 14 March, 2010 at 8:55 pm
Many thanks, Darren. It’s amazing how some companies jump on the band-wagon.
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11 responses to “Apply for your European Health Insurance card”