GovWire

Visiting EU countries and Switzerland

There is separate guidance for visiting EU countries and Switzerland.

If youre a UK resident, you can use a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) to get free or discounted medical treatment when visiting an EU country.

If youre a UK resident who is a UK, Swiss or EU national or other eligible person, you can use a GHIC to get free or discounted medical treatment when visiting Switzerland.

To find out more about accessing healthcare in EU countries and Switzerland, see Healthcare for UK nationals visiting the EU.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) travel advice

See the latest health advice for UK travellers during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Guidance for the EEA EFTA states (Liechtenstein, Norway and Iceland)

The UK is seeking to conclude new, comprehensive agreements on social security coordination, including reciprocal healthcare and GHIC-type coverage, with the European Free Trade Association states in the European Economic Area (the EEA EFTA states): Liechtenstein, Norway and Iceland.

Until a new agreement is in place, the UK and Norway will apply, on a temporary basis, an amended version of the 1991 Convention on Social Security and Protocol on Medical Treatment between the governments of the UK and Norway.

See Visiting Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein in Healthcare for UK nationals visiting the EU for information on accessing healthcare while visiting these countries.

The UK government is seeking to extend the use of the GHIC to these countries in the future.

Reciprocal healthcare agreements outside of the EU

The UK has reciprocal healthcare agreements with some non-EU countries. Within these countries, youll often be treated as if you were a resident of the country youre visiting.

Evidence required can vary depending on the specific agreement. This will usually seek to prove that the person is a UK citizen or a current resident of the country. For instance, requested documents may include a passport, drivers licence, proof of national insurance enrolment or a utility bill.

Within the reciprocal agreements there are a number of variations in the level of free treatment afforded to visitors. Generally, only immediate medical treatment is provided free of charge, to allow visitors to return home for other needs.

The agreements do not cover:

• the cost of returning you to the UK (repatriation)
• routine monitoring of pre-existing conditions

Medical services may also be more restricted than under the NHS. Make sure you have a valid private travel insurance policy when travelling to any country worldwide.

See foreign travel advice for additional health advice for all countries.

In addition to the EFTA countries detailed above, the UK has reciprocal health agreements with the countries listed below.

Each country below lists:

• the documents youll need to prove entitlement to healthcare in the country
• what is covered
• what youll need to pay for

Anguilla

Documents youll need:

• evidence of UK residence, such as NHS enrolment or UK driving licence
• UK passport

What is covered:

• emergency medical treatment, including medicines

Australia

Documents youll need:

• a UK passport with a valid Australian visa
• a GHIC or UK-issued European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
• if you dont have a GHIC or EHIC, other proofs of UK residency are accepted such as a bank statement or utility bill

How to enrol in Medicare:

The Australian government website has detailed information for UK visitors, including how to enrol in Medicare.

You must enrol at a local Medicare service centre either before or after your treatment.

What is partially covered:

• medically necessary treatment outside hospital
• medically necessary treatment as a public patient in a public hospital
• certain prescription medicines under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) this scheme allows for the full or partial reimbursement of certain prescription medicines. A pharmacist will be able to tell you if your medicine is cheaper under the PBS system

What youll need to pay for:

• treatment at most doctors surgeries
• most prescribed medicines
• ambulance travel
• dental treatment

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Documents youll need:

• UK passport (if youre a UK resident, but not a UK national, youll need to prove NI enrolment)

• if youre a national of Bosnia and Herzegovina living in the UK, youll need to show your Bosnian passport and proof of NI enrolment you can get this from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) (see Proving your National Insurance number)

• if youre not a UK or Bosnian national, but are the dependant of someone who is, you should also show proof of NI enrolment

What is covered:

• hospital treatment
• some dental treatment, on the same basis as that available to a local resident
• other medical treatment, on the same basis as that available to a local resident

What youll need to pay for:

• prescribed medicines

British Virgin Islands

Documents youll need:

• evidence of UK residence, such as NHS enrolment or UK driving licence
• UK passport

What is covered:

• emergency medical treatment, including medicines

Falkland Islands

Documents youll need:

• evidence of UK residence, such as NHS enrolment, NI enrolment, etc.

What is covered:

• hospital treatment
• dental treatment
• other medical treatment
• prescribed medicines
• ambulance travel

Faroe Islands

Documents youll need:

• proof of identity, including proof of nationality and residence

What is covered:

As a non-EU member, the GHIC scheme is not directly applicable for use in the Faroe Islands.

However, the UK has a reciprocal agreement with the Faroe Islands under which British residents can receive medical treatment equivalent to that which a GHIC would offer.

Gibraltar

Documents youll need:

• UK passport
• EHIC or UK GHI
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