EHIC - Know What to Look for Before You Apply

The EHIC, or the EU medical card, is a useful card that provides state healthcare across Europe for members of EEA countries. But a number of false websites have cropped up since it was introduced in 2006, so you need to be careful to avoid these so that you don't fall victim to them. Here's what you need to know.

What is the EHIC?

The EHIC, or EU medical card as it is sometimes referred to, is a European-wide card that entitles the holder to free state healthcare. It is for members of EEA countries travelling to other EEA countries. If you travel outside of Europe, the card will not cover your healthcare costs. And if you are not from an EEA country, you cannot get the card.

Why Are There So Many Fake Websites?

The EU medical card is completely free. In the UK, you apply via the NHS website, and it is very easy to do. However, not everyone knows this. Type EHIC into Google, and you may well come across some unscrupulous services offering to arrange your card for a fee. This will usually involve them sending off your forms or something similar. They often do not make it clear that it is simple and free to do it yourself, leading you to think that you must pay for the service. As long as you know what to look out for, you don't have to fall for these websites.

What to Look Out For

The number-one rule is to only apply via the NHS website if you live in the UK. Check the URL carefully when you land on a website where you can apply for the card. Is it the real website? Go directly to the website and navigate to the right page rather than via a search engine if you want to be sure.

Look for small print on the website. Some sites do mention that they are not the official providers, although this may not be clear. Be wary about any services offering to send your forms for you. Of course, if the site charges you a fee, you know it is not the official site. While you may prefer to pay for such a service if you really want to, just be aware that you can do it yourself for free.

Order Your EHIC and Travel with Peace of Mind

Order your EU medical card from the NHS website if you want to get it for free – it's as simple as that! It's easy to do, and once you have it you will be able to enjoy all the benefits of access to free state healthcare overseas. A word of warning though: be careful as not all governments provide the same level of healthcare, and some procedures such as dental procedures are not covered at all. An even better idea is to take out private travel insurance as well, to provide even more protection while you are away.

P.K. Chong is the Managing Director of All About EHIC. As a major insurance authority, we provide information and top up insurance for those travellers with an EU medical card, known as the EHIC. This top up insurance will cover issues not covered by the EHIC card.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.