European Health Insurance Card

Does anyone know how to get one? 

I have the postal application, which says non EU/EEA/Swiss nationals should visit the website.  The website http://www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/Healthcareabroad/Pages/About.aspx links to an application form, but before you go to the form, you have to agree that you're British, EU, EEA or Swiss.  Then at the bottom of this page https://www.ehic.org.uk/Internet/home.do it says that non EU/EEA/Swiss nationals need to complete the postal application because there is extra evidence we need to supply.  But the postal application doesn't say what that evidence is, it just directs us to the website, which is useless!  Help! 

You could call and ask for what documentation they need.  However, when I called to get info from them, (this was last summer) since I was also applying for DH and DD (EU nationals), they processed all of our applications over the phone.  They said they couldn't do mine alone over the phone, but since my family members were EU nationals, they just listed DH as the main applicant or something to that effect.  We got all the cards in about a week.

I did this about a year ago, and I do remember being confused about the 'additional evidence' as well.  But if I remember correctly, the only 'extra' thing on the application form was information about my GP.  I don't think I sent in anything besides the application form, and I duly received my European Health Card shortly afterwards.  I would say, just complete the form and send it in.

Are we eligible then? 

Are we eligible then? 

Yes, all residents of the UK are eligible.  I'm thinking now that I might just have my husband phone up and tell them to add me as his dependent.  That sounds like the easiest way. 

Yes, all residents of the UK are eligible.  

Wow, interesting, I didn't think I was! Learn something new all the time...

It says you can get an application form from the post office

Alternatively, you can apply by calling 0845 606 2030.If you are a non-EEA national you can only apply by post as you need to provide further documentation that supports your application. You can pick up an application form from the Post Office.

Yeah, I know, but the problem is that the application you get at the post office doesn't specify what further documentation is required...it just says to look at the website, but the website only says to fill out a paper application!  It's an endless circular void of non-information. 

I remember having this problem when I was applying and I rang the office.  They told me exactly what to include, and I got my card and DH's card accordingly in the post.

Do you remember what exactly they told you to include?

Yeah, I know, but the problem is that the application you get at the post office doesn't specify what further documentation is required...it just says to look at the website, but the website only says to fill out a paper application!  It's an endless circular void of non-information. 

Ahh I see, I would have thought the application would have said so. Figures 

Do you remember what exactly they told you to include?

No, not really - it was a few years ago now.  I'd just ring the number and ask.

When I applied by post for mine, I am pretty certain they sent it back and asked for proof that I was here legally. I resubmitted it with a copy of my WP and I got my card shortly thereafter.

If your husband is a British Citizen and already has an EHIC, he can get a card for you online.    You don't have to do it by phone or at least you didn't about 18 months ago.

As the main applicant he will need to enter his existing details and then add you as a dependent which can all be done online.  It doesn't matter if his card is still valid, the online form will say that he can't have a new one yet but one will be issued for you.

If he hasn't already got an EHIC he can still do this online and then add you as his dependent.

Hope this all still works

If your husband is a British Citizen and already has an EHIC, he can get a card for you online.    You don't have to do it by phone or at least you didn't about 18 months ago.

As the main applicant he will need to enter his existing details and then add you as a dependent which can all be done online.  It doesn't matter if his card is still valid, the online form will say that he can't have a new one yet but one will be issued for you.

If he hasn't already got an EHIC he can still do this online and then add you as his dependent.

Hope this all still works

Thanks, that's really helpful.  I think we'll try this way.  We've been really busy this past week and forgot to call, but we're going to France in September so we have to get cracking on this.  Thanks again!

I just picked up my application from the post office yesterday. It came with a booklet that said as I would need to submit a photocopy of my photo page and visa page of my passport by mail. The guy at the post office kept telling me I didn't need to mail it in, I just needed to go online or call. I told him what I'd read online when I order my husband's card (and his children's cards). Eventually, they gave me the envelope. But they didn't want to. I'd much rather order online than pay to have more copies made and then pay postage... Maybe I'll try it. I have an NHS and NIN already, which I wouldn't have if I wasn't a resident...