European Health Insurance Card

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The European Health Insurance Card

The European Health Insurance Card took over from the E111 from January 1st 2006. There is now be a standardised card to cover each country. The card is used to provide free or reduced-cost medical treatment in the event off illness whilst in the European Union.

It can also cover treatment for certain pre-existing illnesses, such as diabetes. Maternity care is also covered and kidney dialysis and oxygen therapy can be covered by prior arrangement. This guide tells you how to obtain the EHIC card before you go on holiday.

To obtain the card then you only need fill in a simple form at your local Post Office and send it away, or you can now do it online a little faster at https://www.ehic.org.uk and your card will be with you within seven days or you can try calling 0845 606 2030.

The cards are very easy to use. If you are taken ill in the EU and need to have medical treatment, you just show the card to the local health officials. Then, in almost every case, you will be treated for free as you are on the National Health Service. You must be aware, though, that you would not be covered for treatment at a private health centre. This can cause a problem as at some resorts you are collected by private ambulance and taken to a private clinic.

This is why it is advisable to take out a Travel Insurance Policy before you travel. Your travel insurance would then cover the cost incurred. Also, The European Health Card will not cover the cost of repatriation if you need to be flown back to the UK because of an accident or illness.

The EHIC is valid in the following countries:

Austria

Belgium

Cyprus

Czech

Denmark

Estonia

Finland

France

Germany

Greece inc. Zante

Hungary