European Health Insurance Cards (EHIC) have replaced the traditional E111 forms that covered UK residents travelling in Europe for medical treatment.

If you are a UK resident, you are entitled to medical treatment that becomes necessary, at reduced cost or sometimes free, when temporarily visiting a European Union (EU) country, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland. Only treatment provided under the state scheme is covered.

However, to obtain treatment you will need to take a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) with you. There is no charge for the EHIC card - you can apply for a one online and get further details at www.ehic.org.uk.

According to the Department of Health website "If you go to work in another EEA (European Economic Area) country or Switzerland for up to a year, and HM Revenue and Customs confirms that you must continue paying compulsory UK national insurance (NI) contributions, you are entitled to a UK-issued European Health Insurance Card. This includes any dependants that go with you.

If you are under UK state pension age and you move to another EEA country or Switzerland to live permanently (but not to work), contact the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). They will tell you whether or not the UK will pay for your medical treatment in the country you’re moving to and for how long."

The Departmenf for Work and Pensions produce leaflet SA29 - "Your social security insurance, benefits and healthcare rights in the European Economic Area" - this can be dowloaded from www.dwp.gov.uk/international/sa29.