Having a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) means that health care is provided to you and your family at local rates to where you are travelling. If the country you are staying in benefits from free healthcare then so do you. This applies to state run hospitals, clinics and GP surgery’s.
The EHIC card is free to obtain from the official government website and can be arranged online, being with you in a few days, or you can download the EHIC app to your mobile.
Why should I care, I have travel Insurance?
When travelling in Europe you should carry an EHIC card as medical treatment will be free or at a reduced cost. Plus, you will not be required to contribute towards the claim as the standard policy excess will be reduced to NIL (increased excesses applied to declared conditions will still be required to be paid, if related to the cause of you requiring medical treatment).
Remember to take your card (or have access to your app) with you everywhere as it is presentable during any kind of medical emergency.
Everyone must hold their own card including children and it is renewable every five years.
Do I need insurance if I have an EHIC?
Most certainly you would. There are numerous other expenses apart from medical you may need to claim for such as loss, theft or damage to belongings including passports.
In non-emergency medical cases, as with all travel insurance, you may need to pay for your medical fees whilst abroad if you do not have your EHIC with you, or if the country you travel to requires this. These costs can be reimbursed when you submit your claim upon return from your trip. Holding an EHIC card can save you the initial expense of full price medical costs. To complete a claim form Travel Claims Facilities.
You should always check you are being treated under the public healthcare system as your travel insurance does not cover private treatment unless approved in advance by Emergency Assistance Facilities (EAF).
In the event of a serious medical emergency our multilingual Assistance Company, EAF, will arrange your care and repatriation (if necessary) on your behalf, after your initial contact with them. Please call them on +44 (0) 203 829 6745 in the event of such an Emergency.
Taking care of the health and well-being of yourself, family and travelling companions is a top priority when away. That’s why ensuring you book the right travel insurance for your needs is a top priority when travelling overseas. NOW travel insurance offers a range of excellent deals to suit a variety of budgets without compromising on quality. Get your quote today and make sure your everyone is covered.