Travel Insurance for Portugal

[bobby123]

Does anyone know what benfits an E111 gives in Portugal? My wife (52) had a heart attack 3 mths ago and has now been treated with stents so she is quite well and unlikely to have a recurrance. Our insurance company (a nationally known name with which we have held an annual policy for 10 yrs) have refused to cover her for this pre existing condition. Could we be landed with a huge bill if we had only cover under E111? Does anyone recommend an insurance company for travel insurance in these circustances?

[Buenchico]

The first thing to point out is that E111's are no longer valid. You need an EHIC. The cover provided in any EU country (or Switzerland) is the same level of cover that a national of that country would receive. See here:
http://www.dh.gov.uk/PolicyAndGuidance/HealthA dviceForTravellers/GettingTreatmentAroundTheWo rld/EEAAndSwitzerland/EEAAndSwitzerlandArticle /fs/en?CONTENT_ID=4114793&chk=KCVYDZ

The main thing you miss out on if you don't have travel insurance is the cost of repatriation to the UK. If the only way to get back safely is to use a privately-hired ambulance aircraft, this could mean a very large bill. Otherwise, the cover provided by the EHIC might be adequate.

Chris

[munchie63]

An EHIC card gets you the same basic treatment as in your own country - but not the full treatment you'd get in the UK. The actual treatment you get in each country varies. The general rule is - you'll be charged to be seen by most doctors (other than a state hospital, which may be miles away). The EHIC waives the doctors consultation fee.
My wife was unwell in Portugal, and was seen immediately by the local doctor. He waived the �30 fee, but she had to pay �35 for medication. Our insurance had a �50 excess clause. Worth the doctors money, as she was much better the next day.
Each country is different. You need to check about traetment, just in case. Hopefully, you'll have a great time.