European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)

[Maggoty]

Hi there

we are off to Malta on sunday and have the usual travel insurance. However I was told that I really do need an EHIC. Which I have applied for - however it can take up to 10 days to get to me.

So my question is : What is the main advantages of having an EHIC as well as travel insurance?

Cheers

Ali

x

[chelle7272]

http://www.nhs.uk/NHS...ges/Introduction.aspx

[237SJ]

If you`ve got insurance with good medical cover, I can`t really see the point in both. I suppose if you needed emergency care in europe you could use the EHIC and avoid claiming on your insurance, thus avoiding paying the excess. I have year round insurance and I wouldn`t bother with an ETIC if I was going to Europe. Having said that, are they free? No harm in it if they are, I suppose.

[stoofur]

They are free providing you go through the correct link (see link that Chelle posted). Don't search through Google as you will probably go through one of the pay ones. It is really easy to apply.

[pink-kittens]

If you have one you will get any treatment for the same cost as locals do and that *may* mean you get it free

Either, either you still need travel insurance

[Bigfellah]

If you apply today on line there is a possibility you get it by Saturday.

[pink-kittens]

and once you have it, you will automatically get a new one

[jno]

I think, but am not sure, that you just show the EHIC and get free care (or pay whatever the locals pay); with insurance you'd have to pay the full rate then claim it back, minus the excess.

[chelle7272]

Some insurers waive any excess if you hold an EHIC card

[Maggoty]

Well I applied yesterday - so fingers crossed they may turn up.

So really and truly it may just mean free treament if the cost is below you excess and not having to claim the money back.

brilliant - thanks folks

x

[bushbaby_de]

My insurance says that if I could have got something free with an EHIC they will not pay out of I failed to use one..

[dennisb66]

pink-kittens

"and once you have it, you will automatically get a new one"

Not true ,just before I went on holiday I happened to notice mine had expired a month earlier.I rang up to renew and they gave me a phone number to ring in case of emergenct treatment ,fortunately I didnt need any and my new card was waiting for me when I got home.

[jno]

you have to reapply for a new one when the old one runs out (though I got mine in three days)

[Buenchico]

Reason 1 for having an EHIC:
Many insurance policies only cover treatment which is not available under the EHIC provisions. e.g. the insurance might cover you for repatriation to the UK (if required) but not cover you for treatment for your broken leg. (Insurers quite reasonably expect travellers to make sure that they've got the free - or reduced rate - cover which their EU citizenship entitles them too).

Reason 2 for having an EHIC:
It provides IMMEDIATE cover. For example, if you're taken to hospital with a broken leg, you'll be given a bill which you must pay before you leave. If you produce your EHIC that bill will automatically be waived (assuming that the locals get free treatment). Otherwise you must pay the bill and then try to claim the money back from your insurer when you return to the UK. (That could leave you having to find hundreds, or thousands, of pounds to pay for your treatment. As above, the insurer might then refuse to refund the money on the grounds that you should have had your EHIC with you).

I would never consider travelling within the EU without my EHIC (which never leaves my wallet) but I hardly ever bother with insurance.

Chris

[pink-kittens]

dennis, yes it is

[bushbaby_de]

pink kittens, no its not - you either have to go online or call up to renew

[heathfield]

Agree with Bushbaby - you have to quote the PIN number on your existing card.