Carry the Health Card
| Published: 23rd April 2008 17:02 |
In case you need to visit a doctor
abroad, make sure you've packed
your EHIC.
You've been looking forward to your holiday all year. It's time to board that plane with your suitcase full of summer clothes, sandals and sun tan lotion. You'll have nothing to worry about for two weeks. Someone will meet you at the airport when you land at your exotic destination, whisk you away to your hotel and all you'll have to think about is what to have for breakfast. Ah, bliss.
But what if you haven't quite been as organised as you think? You've got your passport, yes? You've got your travel insurance. But have you got your EHIC? If the answer's yes then you needn't read on. But if you're wondering what on earth we're talking about then you're in good company.
The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) was introduced back in January 2006 and replaced the E111 form, making that old document null and void. Despite this change being a fair while ago, a staggering amount of holidaymakers still jet off to the sunshine in the belief that their E111 will cover them for free or reduced cost medical treatment in EU countries. It won't.
Ian Cowder, public relations manager for the AA, says EHICs are as important as travel insurance. "Don't forget to take out the EHIC, which is a reciprocal agreement with the NHS to enable you to get treatment in EU countries free or at low cost," he warns.
So if you're going away alone or are taking the family off for a couple of weeks in a lovely resort, remember that you need all the cover you can get. You don't want to learn a painful and expensive lesson should anyone in your party fall ill.
The EHIC, which is free and easily obtained, is the only recognised document for medical treatment abroad and every family member must have their own card.
Travellers are warned that the EHIC will not provide comprehensive healthcare cover in the event of an accident. In the event of illness or an accident on the continent, holidaymakers can present the EHIC to secure the same free state medical treatment as locals are entitled to, but this may not be comparable with the care we receive in the UK. Any non-essential care, medicines or treatment can also cost a substantial amount extra and presenting the card "after the event" can cause complications.
Richard Mason, director of insurance at online comparison website moneysupermarket.com, says, "Like the E111 before, the EHIC only offers relatively low-level financial reimbursement for basic medical bills. Holidaymakers shouldn't view it as a replacement for travel insurance. As well as offering much more comprehensive medical treatment cover, travel insurance protects you for lost or stolen possessions, holiday cancellation, personal liability and a range of other costly possibilities.
The trick is to shop around for the right level of cover for you at the right price."
You can get a free EHIC within seven days by registering online at the Department of Health's website, www.dh.gov.uk/travellers.
Filling out a form at the post office could add two weeks to the process. As long as you register online before you travel, you will be covered even if you travel before your card arrives in the post. The EHIC is valid for up to five years throughout the EU and in Norway, Switzerland, Iceland and Liechtenstein.
