Have you got your EHIC card?

With confirmation that the Swine Flu Pandemic has started, UK travellers may not be completed protected when it comes to healthcare abroad. Most residents in the UK are entitled to the European Health Insurance Card more commonly known as the (EHIC) which replaced the old E111 form.

It is unclear as to how many UK travellers actually hold the new EHIC card which can be applied for online here. The advice from Government is don’t leave it too late to apply as the waiting time is potentially over 7 days allowing for the post to receive your EHIC card. Just like the old E111 from, the EHIC entitles UK residents who fall ill whilst on holiday in Europe to receive either free local or significantly reduced cost treatment in the European Country they are staying in. It is worth noting, however, that each country is different in terms of the level of health care available.

Is the new EHIC card a substitute for travel insurance? The short answer is no, for example, whilst you may get free local health care, you may have to pay for more specialist care and medical expenses if required. In addition, travel insurance covers repatriation expenses to a UK Hospital which can be hugely expensive if an air ambulance is required in the event of serious injury.

Further details about the EHIC card and how to apply can be found on the official website. Photo Credit: Gunnar Ries