E111/EHIC - Free European Health Insurance Card
What's an E111/EHIC?
In essence, the E111/EHIC allows residents of the UK to claim free or reduced cost of emergency treatment when visiting certain European countries.
It's important to note that on 1st September 2005, the E111 travel health insurance document was replaced with the EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) if you are travelling with an E111, after 1st January 2006 this will no longer be valid!
Why should I have an EHIC?
To begin with it's free to all UK residents and you don't have reapply with each trip you make.
I've already got Health/Travel insurance; surely I don't need an EHIC?
You may find that that some holidays insurance policies will only cover you for medical attention over that of the cover of the EHIC. If you have policy like this, or even slightly unsure, get an EHIC.
Great for NHS cue jumping?
It's not set-up for general hospital treatment, only emergency treatment.
Is this an end to private health/travel insurance?
Not at all. The E111 system has been in place for decades and its replacement isn't very different. The EHIC ONLY covers you for emergency treatment in participating countries, so if you're travelling outside of the participating European countries at any point, you must have additional cover. Also, some participating countries only offer reduced charges for EHIC holders so without additional cover you could face a large hospital bill.
Fantastic, I'm going skiing in France over the new year, I suppose I don't have to bother with insurance now…
The EHIC will only cover you for certain emergency medical procedures, NOT getting you to the hospital. If you're airlifted off the piste with a broken leg/arm/head you'll need insurance for this, otherwise the monstrous bill will be yours to pay.
But if I'm travelling anywhere in Europe I shouldn't bother with insurance, right?
Not all countries in Europe will provide you with total cover on presentation of your EHIC, look into this carefully before travelling. If your still unsure in anyway get a good travel policy to ensure you're not left with a horrific cost on top of your injury.
Where can I get additional insurance?
For Skiing insurance talk to an advisor on: 0870 300 8 311
For General holiday insurance talk to an advisor on: 0870 300 8 300
Where can I get an EHIC?
Unlike, the e111 you do NOT get the EHIC at the post office. You can get the EHIC online.
Where can I find-out more?
Visit EHIC for full details.
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