The EHIC replaced the E-111 in January 2006 and if you haven't got one yet, use this page to click through and apply for one. It usually arrives in seven days.
A European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) entitles you to reduced-cost, sometimes free, medical treatment that becomes necessary while you�re in a European Economic Area (EEA) country or Switzerland. Fuerteventura, though not part of the EU, acknowledges the card.
The EHIC is normally valid for three to five years and covers any medical treatment that becomes necessary during your trip, because of either illness or an accident. The card gives access to state-provided medical treatment only, and you'll be treated on the same basis as an 'insured' person living in the country you're visiting. Remember, this might not cover all the things you'd expect to get free of charge from the NHS in the UK. You may have to make a contribution to the cost of your care.
The EHIC also covers any treatment you need for a chronic disease or pre-existing illness. You need to make arrangements in advance for kidney dialysis and oxygen therapy. To arrange for kidney dialysis while you're away, contact your NHS renal unit in the UK before you travel. For limited information on oxygen supply services in the EEA countries and Switzerland, call the Department of Health's Customer Service Centre on 020 7210 4850.
Remember that the EHIC won't cover you if getting medical treatment is the main purpose of your trip. You are advised to take out comprehensive private insurance for visits to all countries, regardless of whether you are covered by your EHIC.
Your EHIC should cover you for routine maternity care while you are away.
You can apply for a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) online, by phone or by post.
You can apply for an EHIC for your spouse/partner and any children up to the age of 16 (or 19 if they are in full-time education) at the same time as applying for your own. If you are a foster parent or guardian (including boarding school teaching staff), you can apply on behalf of any children you are looking after. You must be over 16 to apply as a main applicant.
Regardless of how you apply, you will need to have the following information to hand for everyone you are applying for:
* name and date of birth
* NHS or national insurance (NI) number.
In Scotland the NHS number is known as the Community Health Index (CHI) number and in Northern Ireland it is known as the Health and Care number.
The EHIC is issued by the Prescription Pricing Authority (PPA) and is free of charge.