Holiday to greece

[MrBen5]

Hi, may be a silly question but what documents do i need to take with me when i go to Rhodes?
Obviously i need my passport but I heard that i need to take an insurance card thing. Is this true?

[dzug]

There's the EHIC - European Health Insurance Card - which it's advisable but not mandatory to take. You can get an application form at any Post office or apply on line.

It's also highly advisable to take a travel insurance policy - more important than the EHIC.

[MrBen5]

Cheers dzug. where do i get that policy from then?

[dzug]

Easiest way is to get it online - google for travel insurance

http://www.optionsinsurance.co.uk/general/defa ult.asp

is one I've used - there are many others.

If you are going on a package holiday you MAY have it already - few travel agents will sell to you unless you either take out their policy or show them one you have bought yourself.

[aristotle]

You will certainly need to take out travel insurance. Most travel agents/companies require this. You should also get the E111 card as many travel insurance policies require this.

[MrBen5]

E111 card???
I think i will leave it as i am only going for a week.
Not a package holiday, just allocation on arrival.
cheers anyway :)

[dzug]

Allocation on arrival IS a package holiday.

[aristotle]

E111 card is now called EHIC as mentioned above.

[Buenchico]

As Dzug states, you can apply online for an EHIC, pick up a form at a Post Office, or simply phone up. (I used the phone service. It only takes a minute or two. They just need your name and address plus either your National Insurance number or your National Health number. It's despatched within 5 days).

The web link for the EHIC is here:
http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Policyandguidance/Heal thadvicefortravellers/index.htm
The phone number is 0845 606 2030.

An EHIC should be regarded as essential for travelling to any EU country (or to Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland). If you have an accident, or fall ill, you'll receive the same free, or reduced price, treatment that nationals of that country do.

It's important to carry the card with you. If you don't have the card with you at the hospital, you'll be required to pay a bill before you leave. This could cost you many hundreds (or thousands) of pounds. Most insurance companies will not refund such payments because you should have used your EHIC card.

In general, the vast majority of emergency medical expenses within EU countries should be dealt with by presenting your EHIC card. (As stated above, most insurers won't pay out for bills which you wouldn't have received if you'd been carrying the card). The reason for having travel insurance is to cover you for costs which would not be met by the EHIC, like the provision of an air ambulance to bring you home after a medical emergency.

Chris

[munchie63]

you can get the EHIC form at your local post office, and sort your travel insurance out at the same time.

a weeks insurance will cost you �15 at the moment as there's a �5 off promotion. Bearing in mind it covers delays, accidents, cash, camera etc it's well worth the �15.