Online Cyprus Information & Business Contacts in English

The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)

Your EHIC is free, and it's valid throughout the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland. (The EEA consists of the European Union member states plus Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway.)

The card enables you to access reduced-cost, sometimes free, state-provided healthcare that becomes necessary during your trip because of either illness or an accident. It also covers you for pre-existing conditions. You can find full details of the cover and who is eligible on the NHS Choices website.

• Apply for a EHIC Opens new window

How do I get an EHIC?

The quickest way is to apply online. Your card will normally arrive within seven days.

You can also apply by phone on 0845 606 2030 or by post using an application form available from some post offices. You have to apply by post if you:

• are not a national of the UK, EEA or Switzerland
• are studying abroad
• are already working abroad but are UK employed or self employed

Applying for children and partners

You can apply:

• for yourself
• on behalf of your partner and any of your children under 16 (or under 19 if they're in full-time education)

Boarding school teaching staff can also apply on behalf of any children in their care.

For each person you are applying for, you will have to provide their:

• full name 
• date of birth
• National Insurance or NHS number (CHI in Scotland or Health and Care number in Northern Ireland)

How and when should I renew my EHIC?

EHICs are valid for up to five years.

You should apply for a new one before the expiry date - you can apply up to six months before your old card expires. The easiest way to apply is online or by phone on 0845 606 2030.

You can also apply by post using the form from some local post offices. But please note that postal applications take longer.

• Apply for or renew an EHIC Opens new window

How do I replace a lost or stolen EHIC?

If you need to replace a lost or stolen EHIC, call 0845 606 2030.

If the EHIC is lost or stolen while you are abroad, you can apply for a Provisional Replacement Certificate (PRC). This will give you the same cover as an EHIC while you are abroad.

To get a PRC, call +44 (0)191 218 1999 (lines are open Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm). Always store this number and take it with you when you travel abroad.

When applying for a PRC, you will need to give your:

• name
• address
• date of birth
• National Insurance or NHS number (CHI number in Scotland or Health and Care number in Northern Ireland)