What is Form E111 and do you really need it?

Yes, if you are travelling within the European Economic Area, you should get the Form E111, which entitles most UK residents to free, or reduced- cost emergency medical treatment. However, you will still need appropriate travel insurance for complete peace of mind.

For Single Trip Travel Insurance

For Multi Trip Travel Insurance

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What is Form E111 and do you really need it?: Yes, if you are travelling within the European Economic Area, you should get the Form E111, which entitles most UK residents to free, or reduced- cost emergency medical treatment. However, you will still need appropriate travel insurance for complete peace of mind.

The Form E111 is the EC document, which allows eligible travellers from the UK and their dependents to free or reduced- cost emergency medical treatment in all European Community countries plus Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway.

It’s important to note that you will only receive the same treatment as residents of the country you are visiting. This may not cover all of the things that you can get free of charge in the UK and even with European reciprocal agreements repatriation costs are never covered.

For this reason, it’s absolutely essential that you also have suitable travel insurance to cover every contingency. However, as your travel insurance may exclude what is covered by the E111 – you will need to have both when you are in Europe!

In fact, the Form E111 is free and easily available from all post offices. As soon as you’ve completed it, you can get it signed and stamped over the counter. Just remember to take it with you on your European travels!