Don't Pay for Your European Health Insurance Card

Kent Trading Standards has received reports of businesses advertising the European Health Insurance Card or EHIC (formally known as the E111) for a fee of £9.99 to £19.99. These businesses are not affiliated with the NHS or any other government body.

The EHIC allows you to access state-provided healthcare in all European Economic Area (EEA) countries and Switzerland at a reduced cost or sometimes free of charge.

Applying for a European Health Insurance Card is FREE with the NHS and it is valid for up to 5 years.

If you are travelling to any of the above countries you can apply for a card online by visiting www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/Healthcareabroad/EHIC/Pages/Introduction.aspx

If you are concerned about a website, telephone call, email, letter or doorstep caller or you need further advice please contact Consumer Direct on 0808 156 2256.

County Councillor Tim Prater commented:

"A quick search online show a number of websites charging for an online application for the card, which is free is you apply through the NHS direct. Don't get caught by scam websites - I've just renewed my card for free via the NHS site - quick and free!"