EHIC Card FAQs: What You Need to Know Before Travelling

Jan 24
09:21

2015

Lisa Jeeves

Lisa Jeeves

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If you travel in Europe, an EHIC card is well worth having. Here are some answers to the most common questions surrounding the card.

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When you go on holiday in Europe,EHIC Card FAQs: What You Need to Know Before Travelling Articles one of the things that you should not forget to organise is your EHIC (European Health Insurance Card). But what exactly is this, and why is it so important? Here are answers to some of the most common questions surrounding the EHIC card.

What is the EHIC card?

This is a health insurance card that is provided to citizens of EU countries. It allows them to get access to state healthcare facilities in other EU countries upon presentation of the card. Healthcare can be expensive abroad, so it is one way for you to get access to public facilities to the same standard as those received by residents of that country (that point is very important, by the way).

Do you have to pay for it?

No, it is completely free and you should never be asked to pay for it. Unfortunately, some scam websites offer to arrange it for a fee, but there is no need to use these. Always apply for it via the official website to avoid any fees.

What does the EHIC card cover?

It essentially provides access to public healthcare facilities for travellers when they visit other European countries. However, all countries are different and therefore the healthcare you can expect to receive will also differ.

For example, if you travel from the UK where you have the NHS, you should be aware that you may not be able to get the same standard of care in another country, but you should be able to receive care and any medical treatment for injury or illness. This may be free if the country provides such state healthcare for free, or you may have to pay for it. You can visit the EHIC website to find out more about the rules in different countries.

It will provide cover for pre-existing medical conditions, which some private travel insurance will not provide. Also, as long as you are not travelling abroad for the purpose of giving birth, you will be covered if you go into labour.

What is not covered?

It is important to know what is not covered by the card when you go abroad so you can make an informed decision about what additional insurance you require. The main thing that will not be covered is the cost of repatriation should you need to travel home. For example, if you are in a serious accident and want to return home for treatment, only dedicated travel insurance will cover this. Private healthcare is not covered and you will only be able to get access to state care. Also you need to be aware that if you go skiing you will not be covered for the costs of being evacuated from the mountain if necessary.

The card does not provide cover for cancellations, personal belongings, delayed flights and other things that private insurance covers. If you are going on a cruise, you will not be covered for any treatment on board the ship, but the card will cover you when you are on land in an EU country.

Can hospitals refuse it?

Although it is unlawful for the card to be refused, unfortunately it does sometimes happen. Be careful not to sign anything unless you are sure what it says, as it may be a consent form that states you will receive private treatment, which you cannot then get a refund for.

What if it is stolen?

If your card is stolen, you will still be covered abroad (if you are back home, simply apply for a new card). If you are away at the time of loss or theft, you can get a provisional certificate with a simple phone call. You can arrange for this to be sent to you, or it can be sent directly to the hospital or medical centre where you are receiving treatment.

Enjoy Your Holiday with Peace of Mind

The EHIC card is very useful and you should always ensure you organise one when you travel to another EU country. However, it is very important to remember that it does not provide the same level of cover as a dedicated travel insurance policy, so you should ideally have both for complete peace of mind.