Raise your hand if you remember the old E111 forms that you had to have with you if you travelled in Europe. I can see how blank everyone's faces are!
Well, the good news is that it no longer matters. A new European Health Insurance Card took the place of the E111 form at the start of January 2006. (EHIC).
This EHIC is good for up to 5 years, and it gives you the right to the same level of medical care in the country you're visiting as the locals. The card can be used in all EEC countries, as well as Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein, for discounted or free medical care, including emergency care. But keep in mind that the care you're entitled to might not include all the free care you get in Britain through the National Health Service.
Still, we think it's smart to carry an EHIC because it could save you time, money, and a lot of trouble if you get sick and need medical care. It can help you avoid some of the red tape you would have to deal with if you only relied on your travel insurance's medical coverage.
You should also know that in many parts of Europe, people with private insurance still get the best medical care. Private insurance lets people skip the long lines of locals waiting in unfriendly hallways. After all, who wants to spend their vacation days not only sick but also in line?
Another point is that nationalised health care is only available at nationalised hospitals, which in some countries are hundreds of miles apart. Most of the time, they are in places where people work and live, not where you go on vacation. So, you might be a long way from the nearest public hospital, but you can find private medical and dental clinics in many tourist areas that are mostly for tourists. Their quality is usually good, but their prices are high by local standards.
While we're talking about medical care, it's important to remember that private travel insurance covers much more than just medical costs. If you get really sick, most policies will pay for you to be flown back to the UK. The insurance usually covers things like cancellation of a trip (because of illness before the trip), shortening of the trip, and loss of luggage or individual items.
We suggest that all travellers get a European Health Insurance Card and full travel insurance to make sure they are as safe as possible. After all, you've been saving for this trip for a long time, and the last thing you want is to worry about money if something goes wrong.
Like most other types of insurance, the best deals on travel insurance can be found on the Internet. Search for "travel insurance" on your favourite search engine. The brokers usually give you the best value for your money because they have access to many insurance companies and can choose the best one for you. You can look at the websites of the different insurance companies, but they will only show you their policy. A broker can help you find many options.
We say that no matter how you plan your trip, you should get travel insurance and feel better.
Details about the European Health Insurance Card
You can get a free European Health Insurance Card at any Post Office or by calling 0845 606 2030 and asking for the Department of Health. You can also apply online at the Department of Health's website. www.dh.gov.uk/travellers is the website address.
