EHIC Cards
British schools have broken up and thousands of people are heading to Europe for a family holiday. One of the things they need to take with them are their European Health Insurance Cards which provides free or (please note) reduced cost, health care in all 27 EU countries as well as Switzerland, Norway and Iceland. It is not designed to replace travel or health insurance but is very convenient to use when travelling in most European destinatins .
Martin Lewis, consumer expert said:
Martin Lewis, consumer champion, says, 'Everyone travelling to Europe should ensure they've got an EHIC. It's a no-brainer. It's totally free, and entitles you to the same treatment in any EU or Swiss hospital as a local would get, at the same price. So if they would get free or discounted medical cover so do you.
Though don't see it as an alternative to travel insurance, as it doesn't provide baggage cover, cancellation cover, and you may need to pay some costs, but it's a strong addition to it.'
It is important to understand that each country has different rules regarding what is provided in their country which then affects how you can use your EHIC card. For example, in Switzerland you will have to pay the full amount for your treatment but then you can claim for a refund. In Malta on the other hand you can access free or sometimes reduced cost care and again, claim a refund later. The NHS provide a comprehensive list of all the differences so it would be worth checking that out before you travel to your destination.
The most important thing to bear in mind is that you can only use your EHIC card when you visit a public health facility. Some countries have very little state-funded health care so it may take a little longer to locate a suitable hospital or GP. This is one of the reasons that it is important that you also have travel insurance. If you have an emergency medical problem and have to go to the a private hospital then you will still be covered even if you cannot use your EHIC card.
Some travel insurance companies insist that you have an EHIC card and will waiver any excess should you need to make a claim.
If you still don't have an EHIC card you can apply for one online and you will receive it within a week: www.ehic.org.uk , or alternatively call 0845 605 0707
Martin Lewis, consumer expert said:
Martin Lewis, consumer champion, says, 'Everyone travelling to Europe should ensure they've got an EHIC. It's a no-brainer. It's totally free, and entitles you to the same treatment in any EU or Swiss hospital as a local would get, at the same price. So if they would get free or discounted medical cover so do you.
Though don't see it as an alternative to travel insurance, as it doesn't provide baggage cover, cancellation cover, and you may need to pay some costs, but it's a strong addition to it.'
It is important to understand that each country has different rules regarding what is provided in their country which then affects how you can use your EHIC card. For example, in Switzerland you will have to pay the full amount for your treatment but then you can claim for a refund. In Malta on the other hand you can access free or sometimes reduced cost care and again, claim a refund later. The NHS provide a comprehensive list of all the differences so it would be worth checking that out before you travel to your destination.
The most important thing to bear in mind is that you can only use your EHIC card when you visit a public health facility. Some countries have very little state-funded health care so it may take a little longer to locate a suitable hospital or GP. This is one of the reasons that it is important that you also have travel insurance. If you have an emergency medical problem and have to go to the a private hospital then you will still be covered even if you cannot use your EHIC card.
Some travel insurance companies insist that you have an EHIC card and will waiver any excess should you need to make a claim.
If you still don't have an EHIC card you can apply for one online and you will receive it within a week: www.ehic.org.uk , or alternatively call 0845 605 0707
Labels: health insurance
posted by Insurance News at
6:07 AM
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