If you are a UK resident you are entitled to free (or reduced cost), state provided healthcare when visiting an EEA (European Economic Area) country, on production of a completed E111 form.
This free form is available from local Post Offices and Travel Agents, or can be downloaded here from the Department of Health web site.
However, an E111 is not an alternative to holiday insurance, and it is still advisable to buy a travel policy even when travelling to EU countries. Few countries pay the full cost of medical treatment even under reciprocal health service arrangements. You will not be covered for rescue costs should you fall ill whilst away from the main centres of population, nor will you be covered for extra travel and accommodation expenses or your repatriation to the UK.
Nevertheless there are still many advantages in the reciprocal agreements and you should always travel with an E111. Some insurers may also waive a medical excess under their policies if you use Form E111.
Keep your E111 (and a photocopy) in a safe place, for example with your passport. If you change your address, or mislay your E111, you will need to apply for a new one.
European Health Insurance Card
The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) will replace the E111 during the course of 2005. If you tick the appropriate box on the E111 application form you will not need to apply separately for this, as the details that you have provided will be used to issue you with one automatically later in the year, prior to the expiry of your E111.
Countries Covered
The following countries are covered by the reciprocal healthcare agreements:
- Austria
- Belgium
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- The Republic of Ireland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- The Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain (including the Canary and Balearic Islands)
- Sweden
- Switzerland (not in the EEA, but part of the reciprocal agreement)
