For a majority of travellers, Europe is a favourite destination with its breathtaking cultural heritage, amazing landscapes and countless attractions. If you are packing your bags for Europe, then plan your vacation well, because the more prepared you are, better are your chances of having a truly memorable trip. Besides making your travel itinerary and arranging logistics, there are other things to consider when you go on a holiday; access to proper health care is one, in case of an illness or injury while you are away. If you are going on a holiday to any of the European countries like France, Germany or Spain, you will need a health card called EHIC.
What is EHIC?
EHIC stands for European Health Insurance Card that gives you access to free or reduced health care in a country within the European Union and also in countries like Switzerland, Norway and Iceland. It is issued free of charge and allows anyone who is insured by a statutory security scheme of the EEA countries and Switzerland to get medical treatment in another member state for free or at a reduced cost in case of an injury or illness during your trip. Your EHIC will ensure that you get the treatment either for free or at a reduced cost from state health care providers. Remember that only UK residents going on a temporary visit to Europe are eligible for EHIC and that the treatment will be given under the same terms as a resident of the country you are visiting.
What is covered by EHIC?
The EHIC is free and is usually valid for a period of 3 to 5 years and covers any medical treatment that becomes necessary during your trip because of an injury or illness. It also includes routine medical care, routine maternity care. Though there is coverage for provision of oxygen and renal dialysis, you will need to make advance arrangements in case there is a need for oxygen therapy or kidney dialysis. EHIC coverage also includes treatment of a chronic or pre existing medical condition if it becomes necessary during your visit to Europe. However, if getting medical treatment or maternity care is the main purpose of your Europe trip, then EHIC will not provide coverage. Dental treatment is also generally not covered under the EHIC. Your EHIC card may not find use in some regions, if there is no state provided healthcare available. It will also not cover the costs of mountain rescue in ski resorts or repatriation to the UK. An important thing to remember is that EHIC may not cover all the things you would expect to get free of charge in the UK and you may have to contribute to the medical costs.
EHIC and private travel insurance
An important thing to note is that EHIC is not a substitute for private travel insurance, so it is important to get a comprehensive private insurance in addition to your EHIC for your Europe trip. Since the EHIC does not cover private health care costs that are not part of the state health care system, it makes sense to have both an EHIC and a valid private insurance policy. While it goes without saying that good travel insurance is important for all travellers, it is a must for senior travellers or those with pre existing conditions. In recent times, there have been issues in countries such as Spain, where British tourists ended up with high medical bills, thinking that they would be covered by the EHIC. Since there are many private hospitals in Spain that do not accept the EHIC and for lack of private travel insurance, these tourists had to foot expensive medical bills.
Are Schengen visa holders eligible for EHIC?
If you are planning to visit only Schengen countries, you will need only one Schengen visa to cover all the countries. Though Schengen visa holders are eligible for EHIC, they are advised to have travel insurance in addition to the EHIC and the insurance must be valid for all Schengen states.
If you are travelling to Europe, make sure you are covered with an EHIC and a private insurance policy too, because then you can enjoy a relaxed holiday, knowing that you are secure in any eventuality.