E.h.i.c.

[devadiva]

My European Health Insurance card has expired an my husband has never had one. We are going to Portugal in August and wondered if we still needed one, and how to get one.

[bhg481]

Yes you should get one.

Google it but make sure you go to an official government website for it. There are many websites which, at first sight, look official but aren't. It is FREE - any site trying to charge you is NOT official. All they do is charge you a fee for doing something you can do yourself.

[emeritus]

Official Site to apply to

https://www.gov.uk/european-health-insurance-card

[EdmundD]

As its expired you will have to reapply. Mine expired some years ago and I recently rang to enquire about replacing it. It came through within a week.

[Arrods]

OH broke her leg and son broke one of his fingers while on holiday in Portugal. OH had her EHIC with her and treatment was hassle-free, with no financial repercussions. Son had left his at home. The Portuguese chased him frequently back in the UK for what was a small treatment fee. (He was happy to pay it - he just didn't understand the paperwork.)

If only the UK were more diligent in recovering these costs.

[roopower]

Address to apply to for new card is on the back of your expired one. New card should strive quickly

[roopower]

Address to apply to for new card is on the back of your expired one. New card should * arrive* quickly

[Flonska]

Please remember that the E H I C is not a replacement for travel insurance. It should be thought of as an accompaniment to it.