E111 Changes
E111 being replaced by European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
The Department of Health who is responsible for the administration of the E111 reciprocal agreements held a consultation on the harmonisation to the new EU European Health Card.
The new health insurance card replaces the E111, which is used by European citizens to prove their entitlement to free or reduced cost emergency medical treatment during temporary stays in other European countries. This came into effect in the UK from 1 September 2005. E111s issued after 19 August 2004 were only valid until 31 December 2005.
Traditional E111s have not been available since 31 August 2005
Anyone planning to travel in the European Economic Area (EEA) as of 2006 has to apply for an EHIC well in advance of travel.
Applications for the EHIC can be made from 1 September 2005 via any of the following methods:
- Online at www.dh.gov.uk/travellers (delivery within 7 days)
- Telephone on 0845 606 2030 (delivery within 10 days)
- Post - application form available from the Post Office (delivery within 21 days)
From 1 September 2005 the new European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) application form has been available from all of its 14,600 Post Office branches nationwide and DH website.
As a direct replacement for the current E111, EHICs will be valid in all 25 EU countries and will entitle the cardholder to medical treatment they require whilst visiting a country that is part of the European Union.
Unlike the traditional E111, the EHIC application form must be sent directly to the Department of Health for validation and card distribution, so travellers are strongly advised to ensure they apply for an EHIC well in advance of their trip.
The EHIC is a wallet-sized card featuring the holder's name, date of birth and personal identification number as well as NHS and the Department of Health contact details. Each EHIC will be valid for a variable period of between three to five years from the date of issue. Everyone that has applied for an E111 since 1 January 2005 and ticked the appropriate box on the application form automatically received an EHIC prior to the E111 expiry date of 31 December 2005.
From 1 September 2005, the Post Office will offer an optional Check & Send service to help people accurately complete their EHIC applications. For a fee of just £2.00, application forms processed through this service will be checked for errors by Post Office staff, helping to reduce the probability of the form being rejected.
The EHIC is not a substitute for travel insurance and Post Office travel services strongly recommends that travellers take out travel insurance to cover any potential costs such as theft and loss of belongings, medical expenses and repatriation.
Action for in-flight Nurses:
- Apply for the new card (On-line from 1st Sept. 2006 at www.dh.gov.uk/travellers
- Alternatively via the Post Office allowing at least 14 days as it has to be validated by the DH
- So not leave it too late otherwise you may not have E111 cover at the time