NI38 Social Security abroad - HM Revenue & Customs

Health care when
visiting another
EEA country
29
NI38 Social Security abroad
you receive notification that you have been matched with a child
for adoption and have average earnings at least equal to the
lower earnings limit applicable to NICs. The amount of SAP you
get depends on how much you earn. If you are employed abroad
and pay UK Class 1 NICs (or would if your earnings were high
enough) you may be able to get SAP. If you qualify for SAP and go
abroad SAP will still be payable to you.
Go to www.direct.gov.uk for more information.
Cover for health care
This section of the leaflet covers health care in all overseas
countries.
If you are visiting a European Economic Area (EEA) country make
sure you have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). The EHIC
allows you to access state­provided health care in all EEA
countries and Switzerland at a reduced cost or sometimes free
of charge.
Everyone who is resident in the UK should have one and carry it
with them when travelling abroad. Applying for the card is free
and it is valid for up to five years.
The EHIC entitles you to treatment that becomes necessary
during your trip but doesn’t allow you to go abroad specifically
to receive medical care. However, managing the symptoms of
pre­existing or chronic conditions that arise while abroad is all
covered by the EHIC, as is maternity care (except birth). In
addition, renal dialysis and oxygen therapy are also covered
although you need to make arrangements for these via your GP
before travelling.
Your EHIC will allow you access to the same state­provided health
care as a resident of the country you are visiting. However, many
countries expect the patient to pay towards their treatment and
even with an EHIC you might be expected to do the same.
The EHIC is not an alternative to travel insurance. It will not cover
any private medical health care or the cost of things such as
mountain rescue in ski resorts, repatriation to the UK or lost or
stolen property.