EH111 (former name anyway)

[fatotter]

Do i have to have an E111 or new version before i fly to Spain? i already have insurance which covers me for accidents abroad!

[netibiza]

Take the new health card, even if you have other insurance.

[asteroid99]

It's a good idea to.
As I understand it - with health insurance only you will have to pay for any treatment you receive abroad, then claim it back from your insurance. With the EHIC (it's new name I think) you don't have to pay. Not sure if it covers all treatments, but it's worth having.

[dzug]

You don't HAVE to, but it is possible that your insurance company won't pay claims in full if you don't - you need to see what that policy says.

[dzug]

Myth.

The EHIC does NOT give free treatment. It gives you treatment on the same terms as local residents. If they have to pay (and they often do), so do you.

[inspireme]

its easy to get one, and they last for a good number of years. (5 or 10 i think) so you may as well.

[asteroid99]

From the EHIC website:
The EHIC can be used to cover any necessary medical treatment due to either an accident or illness within the European Economic Area (EEA). The card entitles the holder to state-provided medical treatment within the country they are visiting and the service provided will be the same as received by a person covered by the country's 'insured' medical scheme. This may not cover all of the services you would expect within the UK and you may have to make a contribution towards the care you receive.

[kempie]

http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Policyandguidance/Heal thadvicefortravellers/Gettingtreatmentaroundth eworld/EEAandSwitzerland/DH_4114793

[Fitzer]

We had to use a hospital in Italy last year and it would have made life easier had we had our EHIC cards (hadn't applied for them). Their systems seem to be set up to want/expect them, not surprising really.

[netibiza]

In Ibiza, they certainly expect EHIC and it's all free treatment except for dental work.

[Buenchico]

Please read my answer here. (It refers to Norway, but it applies equally to Spain):
http://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/Travel/Question 402204.html

Chris