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Lost card and the temporary certificate (PRC)

If your card is lost, stolen or damaged, you can ask the NHS for a free replacement. If you need treatment abroad without your card, a Provisional Replacement Certificate (PRC) gives you the same cover.

Replacing a lost, stolen or damaged card

NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) runs the online service. Choose "Replace a lost, stolen or damaged card". According to the NHSBSA help page:

• a replacement can take up to 15 working days to arrive
• if you have an old EHIC, or applied for your GHIC before 29 June 2021, you need to apply for a new card instead of a replacement
• if nothing has arrived after 15 working days, contact them

Apply free on the official NHS website →

Abroad without your card? The PRC

A Provisional Replacement Certificate proves your entitlement when you don't have your card with you. It also covers you if you've applied and the card hasn't arrived yet. It gives the same level of cover as a GHIC or EHIC, for treatment that can't reasonably wait until you're home.

What you'll need

• your name, address and date of birth
• your National Insurance number, if you know it
• the name of the hospital, clinic or facility treating you
• an email address for that hospital or clinic (staff can give you this)

You can also apply for someone else, giving their details. The NHSBSA says a PRC can be issued to EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.

How to apply for a PRC

Apply online through the NHSBSA PRC page, or by phone to NHS Overseas Healthcare Services on 0191 218 1999 (from abroad +44 191 218 1999), Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm UK time. It's free.

If you have no card and no PRC

You may have to pay the full bill. Ask for an invoice and a receipt and keep them. You might be able to claim some money back later (see using it abroad).