I’ve received a growing number of emails from readers who are confused about the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) and hopefully this article will help deal with some, if not all of the confusion.
The health insurance card will provide you with free or discounted medical treatment within an EEC country. It is worth pointing out that receipt of the EHIC doesn’t necessarily mean free medical treatment in all EEC countries, so I strongly suggest that you visit the Department for Health country by country guide for information on your holiday destination.
It’s essential that you buy adequate travel insurance prior to travelling, so that medical treatment and other expenses will be covered to the amount in your travel insurance documentation.
It is also worth knowing that the UK has reciprocal healthcare arrangements with some other countries and territories outside of the EEC, which means you are entitled to urgent treatment either at reduced cost or free. Again the Department of Health have produced a country-by-country guide.
Let’s put an end to the rumours..
No – you don’t have to pay for the EHIC it’s completely free.
Yes – the E111 form is no longer useable
No – you don’t get free medical treatment in every EEC country
No – the EHIC doesn’t replace Travel Insurance
If you need any further information or guidance then I strongly suggest that you visit the Department of Health’s Travellers website because it is very informative, easy to read and understand.
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