How UK citizens or residents can get healthcare when visiting countries or territories outside the EU where the UK has reciprocal healthcare agreements.
If a non-EU country or territory is not listed on this page, the UK does not have a reciprocal healthcare agreement with it.
Wherever you’re travelling, make sure you have travel insurance that covers healthcare costs.
Visiting EU countries and Switzerland
There is separate guidance for visiting EU countries and Switzerland.
If you’re a UK resident, you can use a UK-issued Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) - or in some cases European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) - to get free or discounted medical treatment when visiting an EU country.
If you’re a UK resident who is a UK, Swiss or EU national or other eligible person, you can use a GHIC to get free or discounted medical treatment when visiting Switzerland.
You can find out more about accessing state healthcare in EU countries and Switzerland using a GHIC or EHIC on the NHS website.
Reciprocal healthcare agreements outside the EU
The UK has reciprocal healthcare agreements with some non-EU countries. Within these countries, you’ll often be treated as if you were a resident of the country you’re visiting.
Below we set out which non-EU countries the UK has reciprocal healthcare agreements with. For each country, we list:
- the documents you’ll need to prove entitlement to healthcare in the country
- what is covered
- what you’ll need to pay for
What documents you’ll need to show
Evidence required can vary depending on the specific agreement. This will usually seek to prove that the person is a UK citizen or a current resident of the country, and may include any of the following:
- passport
- driving licence
- proof of National Insurance enrolment - you can get this from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) (read more about your National Insurance number, including where to find it and how to show evidence that you have one)
- proof of NHS enrolment (for example, a hospital or GP letter showing your name and NHS number)
- utility bill
Some countries also accept a UK-issued GHIC or EHIC as evidence of entitlement to healthcare.
What you’ll be entitled to
Within the reciprocal agreements there are a number of variations in the level of free or discounted treatment visitors are entitled to. Generally, only immediate medical treatment is provided free of charge, to allow visitors to return home for other needs.
The agreements do not cover:
- the cost of returning you to the UK (repatriation)
- routine monitoring of pre-existing conditions
Medical services may also be more restricted than under the NHS. Make sure you have a valid private travel insurance policy when travelling to any country worldwide.
See foreign travel advice for additional health advice for all countries.
Anguilla
Documents you’ll need:
- evidence of UK residence, such as NHS enrolment or UK driving licence
- UK passport
What is covered:
- emergency medical treatment, including medicines
Ascension Island
Excerpt from the official page. The original is authoritative. Continue reading at UK DHSC ↗