According to figures issued by the Office of National Statistics, around 13% of people living in the UK at any given time were born overseas. Whether people have come to work or study, or to join family who are already settled in the UK, this diverse population can sometimes encounter problems when travelling overseas and returning to the UK. They may need to apply for a visa which UK passport holders don’t need, or have more hoops to jump through getting insurance for trips abroad. One of the confusing issues is the EHIC system, and eligibility will depend on a number of factors.

People from the UK, EEA or Switzerland

Anyone living in the UK who comes from any countries which make up the European Economic Area or Switzerland automatically qualify for an EHIC and can make their application from the UK. In order to do this you have to be ordinarily resident in the UK, and have an address here, and either a National Insurance number or a NHS number which you are allocated when you register with a GP. If you are still a member of a health insurance scheme in your home country, you will not be eligible for an EHIC issued in the UK. People from other countries within the EU who are working or studying for short periods might not be eligible to apply for an EHIC in the UK, but can apply for the same card from their own country’s health authorities.

People from outside the EEA

If you have moved to the UK from a country outside the EEA to work or study, you can still apply for your UK EHIC to cover you for short trips to other EEA countries, but you will need to satisfy the NHS that you are resident in the UK, and send evidence of your right to live and work in the UK such as a residence permit or visa. Once issued, this EHIC gives you the same rights as any other EHIC holder when travelling abroad. People from outside the EEA who want to apply for an EHIC can’t apply online; the only method is to print the application form and send it in the post, along with supporting evidence.

UK Nationals living Overseas

Thousands of UK nationals leave the UK every year to live all over the world, some on a permanent basis but others just for a year or two. Remember that EHIC is only valid in the EEA and Switzerland and cannot be used for moves further afield. Some of these people might still be able to apply for a UK issued EHIC if they meet certain criteria. Some of these include:

• Being in receipt of a UK state pension
• Being sent to work in another EEA country or Switzerland by a UK based employer
• Students going to study for all or part of their course in another EEA country
• Family members of workers sent overseas who are not covered by insurance in the country where they are living.