Remember This Essential Holiday Item
If you're planning a holiday in Europe, here's one piece of plastic that could save you thousands (and no, it's not a credit card).
When it comes to packing your bags and jetting off on holiday, one of the most important things you should get before going away is travel insurance.
However, as well as deciding whether you'll need extras such as winter sports and cruise cover, there is also one often-overlooked type of insurance I believe is essential for all travellers.
What's more, it's absolutely free.
EHI Free
The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) replaced the old E111 back in January 2006 and entitles you to free or subsidised state-provided medical costs in any European Economic Area (EEA) country or Switzerland.
You can apply for the card online, over the telephone (0845 606 2030) or by picking up a form at the Post Office. Once active, cards are valid for up to five years.
But how useful is the EHIC? After all, I've travelled to Europe for years, and always assumed my standard travel insurance policy provided sufficient protection. Besides, if I'm already covered, surely there's no need to doubly protect myself?
Well, it's true that the card only covers you for the basics, and it can't be used to travel abroad specifically to receive medical care.
However, there are some vital elements the EHIC does encompass, with facilities such as maternity care and managing the symptoms of pre-existing or chronic conditions that arise while abroad all covered by the EHIC.
Another important benefit is the impact the EHIC can have on other travel insurance claims. Several companies such as Axa, Churchill and Saga will waive the excess if you use the EHIC to reduce the costs related to emergency medical and associated expenses.
Banishing bureaucracy
For those worried about having to answer endless questions on everything from your full medical history to your father's blood type, fear not.
The process takes less than five minutes, and you only need a few personal details such as your name, address and National Insurance number in order to get one. After that, all you have to do is sit back and wait for it to arrive.
A word of warning
Despite the benefits of the EHIC, it's also vital to remember that the card should always be taken in addition to, not instead of comprehensive travel insurance.
The EHIC only covers basic medical costs, and won't pay for extras such as repatriation or an air ambulance.
However, with the card so simple to apply for - and free, I recommend anyone going to Europe gets one. You may feel like you're doubling up on insurance, but go on holiday without it, and you could be landed with a hefty bill.
After all, as the old cliché goes - it's better to be safe than sorry.
More: Bargain UK Breaks! / Beware Of This New Year Travel Trick
Most Recent
Comments
-
There's nothing new and innovative about an EHIC card in the era of the EU. As an EU citizen holidaying in an EU member state you must simply show your ID that you are an EU citizen and you will never be refused treatment. There's nothing "extra" or additional that you get by carrying an EHIC card, that you wouldn't already get anyway if you can prove EU citizenship and therefore coverage by other means. Of course, administratively, it is much simpler to carry an EHIC card and I don't wish to discourage people from doing that.
REPORT This comment has been reported. -
Whilst on holiday in Spain last September, I fell and injured my shoulder. The holiday rep suggested going to a local clinic and they sent me by ambulance to the nearest hospital. My shoulder was X-rayed and found to be broken. I was given a pain killing injection and a prescription for suitable medication. I was treated promptly and with kindness. The 3 different prescribed tablets were collected next day from a pharmacy for under 5 Euros, there was no charge for the X-rays etc. Although I had health insurance I never claimed as the EHIC covered all except the prescribed tablets. However I was very fortunate as I hadn't noticed that my EHIC card expired only two days after my accident. Please check the expiry date carefully before travelling, my story could have been very different if I'd had my accident a few days later!
REPORT This comment has been reported. -
Whilst in France my wife had a fall and as we had the EHIC we received the medical care she required, However we did have to pay for anything extra to that i.e. MRI scans and xrays etc. If your French you have a Carte Vitalle which is in effect private insurance. I suspect you would have to pay for any stays in hospital but at least get it back when you return. Make sure you obtain receipts which we then applied to the UK authorities for re-imbursment. You'll need Euros to pay at the time. No credit cards.
REPORT This comment has been reported.
Do you want to comment on this article? You need to be signed in for this feature
30 November 2010