Health cover for temporary visitors in the United Kingdom (2026)

Last reviewed: 9 October 2026

In short: In England, visitors from EU countries can use an EHIC for treatment that becomes medically necessary during a temporary stay. It does not cover private care, repatriation or planned treatment.

RuleWhat applies
Health cards acceptedUnplanned care during a temporary visit; EnglandEHIC [1]
What the card coversUnplanned care during a temporary visit; EnglandTreatment that becomes medically necessary during a temporary visit, including pre-existing conditions and routine maternity care. GP visits and A&E are free. [1]
Private care coveredUnplanned care during a temporary visit; EnglandNo [1]
Repatriation coveredUnplanned care during a temporary visit; EnglandNo [1]
Planned treatment coveredUnplanned care during a temporary visit; EnglandNo [1]
Body to contactUnplanned care during a temporary visit; EnglandThe visitor's own home-country health insurance organisation (replacement certificate, S2 form); the NHS provider directly for referral requirements. [1]

Notes

  • This is the card accepted from EU visitors. The GHIC is the UK's own card for UK residents travelling abroad. Visitors from Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein have different arrangements.
  • The Commission page says Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland may differ. The NHS page used here is for England.

Sources

  1. NHS England: Visitors from EU countries, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources

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General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.