If you’re travelling within the European Union (EU) you should get a European Health Insurance Card - EHIC. You can apply for one online at www.dh.gov.uk/travellers You can also apply by calling 0845 606 2030 or you can get an application form at any post office. This entitles you to free or reduced cost emergency treatment.
The booklet Health advice for travellers (also from the post office) gives a country by country checklist of what’s involved in getting treatment abroad. The same booklet also talks about the countries that have a reciprocal agreement with the UK. This means that UK citizens can get emergency treatment in those countries (for example, Australia, New Zealand, Malta, Hong Kong, and most republics of the former Soviet Union).
