European Health Insurance Card Renewal
Check the renewal date on your European Health Insurance Card – it is very easy to forget.
The Department of Health is urges vacationers to check the renewal date of their EHIC before they travel. The renewal date is on the front of your card.
Applying for the card is free and straightforward. You can renew an EHIC (previously E111) up to six months before the expiry date. Nonetheless any time left on the card won’t be added to your new card. An EHIC is valid for five years.
What’s the EHIC?
The EHIC gives you access to reduced or free medical care within the European Union and some nations outside that have reciprocal health arrangements with the UK. Check the NHS website for more information. The NHS healthcare website has a very helpful section of frequently asked questions.
Does it make treatment free?
The EHIC does not mean you get your treatment absolutely free you’ll be treated in the same way as a citizen of that country, so if they get free hospital treatment you would too; if they pay, you pay the same rates. As this is a reciprocal agreement across Europe, it also suggests EU citizens can use the NHS in the same way.
It is also worth noting the EHIC doesn’t cover you if you are going abroad specifically to get treatment If you’re unsure – then check the NHS website.
Sign up for an EHIC
Those of you that have not requested a EHIC then please do without delay; it is free and will take only 5 minutes of your time to apply. The card is generally delivered within seven days. Avoid sites that charge fees. It’s free at www.ehic.org.uk.
Though you need to be over 16 to apply, each relation requires a card. Just include the kids as a ‘dependants ‘ in the appropriate section of the application and you will each receive a separate card.
The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has just lately taken action against a number of website which ‘sold ‘ EHICs. In July 2011 they also articulated investigations into online websites deceptively selling govt. services, including the EHIC. Remember it is free and straightforward to apply for your EHIC
Buy travel insurance
The EHIC is not a replacement for travel insurance.
Cancellation, delay, repatriation, luggage loss and burglary aren’t covered by the EHIC – the EHIC is solely a medical policy, yet travel insurance covers plenty of other areas. It is strongly recommendable that you get Travel Insurance – the EHIC is not a travel insurance subsitute.
Remember
Ensure that you are carrying your EHIC all the time when overseas. Don’t leave it your hotel room.