Fill out an EHIC form along with your travel insurance and you can enjoy even more benefits when you travel overseas.
The EHIC stands for the European Health Insurance Card. It is a completely free card that should be considered essential whenever you travel to another country in the European Economic Area (EEA), which includes most countries in Europe.
Filling out an EHIC form to apply for your card is something you should do as soon as you know you will be heading abroad - but where does that leave travel insurance? Do you need it at all? In fact, the EHIC and travel insurance make the perfect pair for all of the following reasons.
1. The Card Only Covers Public Healthcare
The card is designed for one specific purpose: to cover any healthcare you require while overseas. However, it only covers public healthcare. Essentially, you will receive the same level of healthcare that a resident of the country would receive in the same circumstances, so this does not cover private healthcare.
In addition, you may still have to pay for some of your treatment. For example, dental care is often not free even for residents – and if they have to pay, so do you. It is the same with prescriptions in some countries, so check the rules of the country before you go so you know what to expect.
While of course it's good to know that you are covered for emergencies, it is even better to know that you have access to private healthcare if the need arises – hence the need for travel insurance.
2. The Card May Provide Cover If Your Insurance Refuses
Conversely, if you are injured doing an activity that is not covered by your private insurance, or you have a pre-existing medical condition that you didn't declare, you may not be covered for treatment by your insurer. The EHIC, on the other hand, will cover your public healthcare costs no matter what the situation.
3. Some Insurers Provide Benefits if You Use the Card
If you do have private travel insurance, you may be wondering why you'd bother filling out the EHIC form at all. However, some travel insurers actually provide benefits if you have the card. The most common benefit is that they may cancel the excess in the event of you making a claim, and this can provide you with a nice little bonus. The truth is, though, because it is free there is never any reason not to get one!
4. Private Travel Insurance Covers All the Extras
A good travel insurance policy includes more than just healthcare, and although healthcare may be your main reason for filling out your EHIC form, there are other things that can go wrong when you go on holiday overseas.
If you have a serious accident, for example, you may receive treatment for free in a public hospital. But if you want to be repatriated home to continue treatment, the card does not provide this - however, it is commonly covered on private travel insurance.
A good private policy will also cover you for lost personal possessions, trip cancellation, delayed departure and more, so having them both is the ideal plan.
Ensure You Have Both Options
It really shouldn't be a matter of choice between the card and private travel insurance when you travel to Europe. Fill out the EHIC form and get your free card and take out a decent policy as well. That way you will be covered for any eventuality, and you may even be able to enjoy some benefits from your insurance provider.
Ski Touring Valley Style
Go beyond the slopes on a Chamonix ski touring expedition on this winter’s ski holiday.
Keep in Shape While You Travel
Believe it or not, it is possible to return from your travels fitter than when you left and avoid the post-holiday diet. Find out how.
Cruise Back in Time into the Heart of Dutch History at Zaanse Schans
European river cruises provide a unique insight into a country: nowhere is this more true than a trip by boat through the ‘living museum’ of Zaanse Schans.
