Tag Archives: European Union

The European Health Insurance Card

It’s now been five years since the European Health Insurance Card was created and now more than a third of Europeans, some 180 million people have them. So how do they work and how can they make your life easier?

The European Health Insurance Card is designed to help people get medical care while on a temporary stay abroad, for example while on holiday, studying, or working in any of 31 countries: that’s the 27 EU member states, plus Iceland, Norway, Lichtenstein and Switzerland. As the social affairs commissioners spokeswoman explains “If you hold an EHIC card it means you are entitled to the care on the same terms as a resident of the country you are visiting.”

A broken leg, toothache, a virus, even chronic problems like asthma or diabetes all are covered. Just show your European Health Insurance Card to be treated.

It will also cut through red tape and help with refunding costs of any medical treatment that you have to pay for.

You do have to ask for a card, it is not automatically issued, though some countries do have it on the reverse of their own National Health Insurance Cards. It is free and to get one you just have to apply to the Health Authorities in your country. The cards are individual and every member of your family should have one, including children.

If you lose or forget your card you can ask for a Provisional Replacement Certificate to be sent to you. It’s important to note that the European Health Insurance Card can only be used within the framework of public healthcare provision and does not replace supplemental travel insurance. It also doesn’t cover you if you are going abroad for planned medical treatment.

If you are unfortunate when on your travels and are in need of medical treatment when not in possession of your EHIC Card, you may be required to pay a fee. This is refundable from the Department of Work and Pensions when back in the UK. Simply call them on 0191 218 1999 (You will need to have your National Insurance Number and personal bank details to hand) or write to them at: Department for Work and Pensions, Caxton House, Tothill Street, London, SW1H 9NA.

Finally, remember that in the case of a medical emergency the number to call is 112 throughout the entire European Union. Calls are free and can be made from a landline or on mobile phones.

European Health Insurance Card Applicationn

Avail Your European Health Insurance Card Today!!!

As they say Health is Wealth, thus it is always preferable to insure your health for uncertainties. Today when life is uncertain and you just dont know what will happen to you the very next minute, insuring your life and health is completely advisable. For those who reside in UK and are frequent travelers to European countries, The European Health Insurance Card UK (EHIC) is a must have item. This card allows you to receive either free or discounted health care in countries which are listed under the European Union. In short this card will avail you the same treatment as a local resident of the country you are planning to visit during your vacations. This card is a substitute for E111 Form since January 2006.

Do keep in mind that there are certain rules for you to adhere by before you apply for your EHIC Card. To know everything about it you can visit the government website and read the frequently asked questions.

Who can avail the benefits of EHIC?
Residents of following given countries can apply for an EHIC card and enjoy the benefits:

Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Republic of Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Leichtenstein, Lithuania, Luxemburg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia, Switzerland, Spain, Sweden and the UK.

Applying for an EHIC
-Now you can apply for your EHIC card online, without any hurdles and delay.
-For those who want to renew their card, can do so six months prior the expiry date.
-Once availed, it is valid for five years.
-Please keep in mind that your EHIC is not an alternative to travel insurance.
-It does not cover lost or stolen property, nor does it helps you with flight related problem. For all this you need travel insurance.
-An EHIC covers only state-provided emergency treatment.
-Yes, most of the accidents are covered under EHIC but you are not permitted to go to abroad to use the card to specifically receive the medical treatment.

Though one can get his EHIC card from post office for free, but many online websites these days promise you to provide with extra benefits if an EHIC is applied with them. These companies will charge you with some fees for providing add- on services. So if you are planning to explore Europe during your next vacations make sure to apply for your EHIC, to make your visit tension free and secure.