Apply for a Provisional Replacement Certificate (PRC)
Use this service to apply for healthcare cover if you or someone else is receiving, or has received, emergency treatment and do not have a UK Global Health Insurance Card (UK GHIC) or UK European Health Insurance Card (UK EHIC).
You can also contact us to apply for a PRC by phone (opens in a new tab).
Important
You only need a PRC at the point of receiving medical treatment while abroad. To make sure you have healthcare cover before you travel, apply for a UK Global Health insurance Card (UK GHIC) or UK European Health insurance Card (UK EHIC) (opens in a new tab).
What is covered by a PRC
A PRC will cover you for medically necessary healthcare that cannot reasonably wait until you return home.
Medically necessary healthcare includes things like:
- emergency treatment and visits to A&E
- treatment for a long-term or pre-existing medical condition
- routine medical care for pre-existing conditions that need monitoring
- routine maternity care, as long as you're not going abroad to give birth (opens in a new tab)
- oxygen therapy and kidney dialysis
If you're eligible for a PRC, it will normally provide the same cover as what would normally be covered by an existing EHIC, UK GHIC, or UK EHIC. This means that you'll be covered for emergency treatment costs as if you were a resident of that country. Check where you can use each card (opens in a new tab).
A PRC only covers you for treatment you receive at a public hospital, clinic or other treatment facility. If you are receiving private treatment, you need to consult your travel insurance.
A PRC cannot be issued to a pharmacy.
For more information on what the PRC covers in the country you're visiting, check the guidance on the GOV.UK website (opens in a new tab).
Who can use this service
You can use this service to apply for a PRC for:
- yourself
- someone else, for example if you are a relative, friend, or medical professional
You can apply for a PRC for ongoing treatment and for treatment that has already taken place.
Who cannot use this service
You cannot use this online service and need to contact us (opens in a new tab) instead if:
- you started receiving treatment in Iceland, Liechtenstein or Norway before 1 January 2024
- you live in the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland
You also cannot apply for a PRC in advance.
Before you start
We'll ask you for your details, including:
- your email address
- your National Insurance number, if you know this
- your OHS reference number, if you have one
We'll also ask for details about your medical treatment, including:
- the name of the hospital, clinic, or treatment facility
- the email address for the hospital, clinic, or treatment facility providing your treatment, which can be provided by medical staff
If you're applying on behalf of someone else, we'll ask for their details.
Important: Timeout warning
Your session will time out after 30 minutes of inactivity.