PERSONNEL SUPPORT BRIEF - NFF

BRIEF 4
EUROPEAN HEALTH INSURANCE CARD (EHIC)
Key Points:
• Navy Command HQ direction is for all NS personnel to hold a valid EHIC.
• Application is free of charge.
• The EHIC is valid for 5 years and you must have it with you when travelling
abroad.
• The EHIC is not an alternative to travel insurance.
• Navy Command HQ has directed that all Naval Service personnel should apply for and
hold a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). This card replaces the E111 and will
complement existing mechanisms for accessing healthcare overseas.
• Applying for the card is free of charge at the link https://www.ehic.org.uk.
• In order to apply on-line, ensure that you have your National Insurance Number (this is
also on your payslip) to hand. Non-European Economic Area nationals are required to
provide further documentation to support their application and will have to apply by
post, application forms are available at the Post Office.
• The EHIC is valid for up to five years and personnel should have their EHIC with them
when travelling abroad; remembering to check it is valid before departing.
• The requirement for Naval Service personnel to be in possession of a valid EHIC will be
included in the pre-deployment medical directive.
• Any further information regarding what the EHIC covers is available at the link. It should
be noted that the EHIC is NOT an alternative to travel insurance and it will not cover any
private medical healthcare or the cost of mountain rescue in ski resorts, repatriation to
the UK or lost or stolen property.
• Beware of websites demanding a fee for the EHIC. If you search on the internet for
‘EHIC’ you will find sites that describe themselves as ‘reviewing’ or ‘forwarding’ services,
charging around £10 to process your application. They may appear official but demand a
cash payment at the end of the application process.
Brief prepared by Cdr Julie Thain-Smith;
FLEET-MEDDIV-PERS POL SO1 / 93832 5343
10