Getting medical treatment when travelling out of the UK

European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)

The UK has healthcare arrangements with other countries in the European Economic Area. These arrangements mean you may be able to get medical treatment free, or at a reduced cost, if you need it urgently while travelling. To be able to get this treatment you need the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). The EHIC authorises treatment on the same basis as that offered to the country’s own citizens.

The EHIC is normally valid for three to five years. You can get an application form from the Post Office, online at www.ehic.org.uk or by telephoning 0845 606 2030. More detailed information about the EHIC can be found on the NHS Choices website. 

Travel Insurance

It is always recommended that people take out travel insurance, no matter which country they are visiting. This is because the cost of medical care and treatment can be expensive. It’s important to read any exclusion clauses on your insurance policy carefully, to make sure your epilepsy is covered.

• Information about holiday insurance for people with epilepsy

Travel medicines 

Vaccinations

It’s important to receive the vaccinations that are needed for the country you intend to visit. Most vaccinations are safe for people with epilepsy or who have a history of epilepsy. 

Anti-malaria medication

Anti-malaria medication could be a problem for people with epilepsy, or those who have a history of epilepsy. The Epilepsy Research Foundation produces a detailed information sheet on epilepsy and anti-malaria medication. Contact Epilepsy Research Foundation, PO Box 3004, London W4 4XT, telephone 020 8995 4781; info@eruk.org.uk. You can also download this from their website, www.epilepsyresearch.org.uk

Information is also available from your family doctor (who has details of local travel clinics). Alternatively, contact MASTA Travel Health at www.masta-travel-health.com 

Information in different languages

• First aid for seizures instructions are available in English, French and German

The Traveller’s Handbook for people with epilepsy, published by the International Bureau for Epilepsy, gives general travel advice, such as accommodation, insurance, driving and getting around. It also includes first aid instructions, reminders about medication and a selection of phrases. You can choose from Chinese (Cantonese and Mandarin), Dutch, English, French, German, Greek, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish and Turkish. Download the language(s) of your choice from the International Bureau for Epilepsy’s website.