The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is 10 years old this year – but expats and travellers seem confused about the benefits of having the card.
Many believe packing the card means no travel insurance is need and more than half of travellers are sure the card allows them to claim free emergency healthcare anywhere in Europe.
A recent online comparison site survey shows that if travellers and expats have heard of an EHIC – and one in eight travellers have no idea what an EHIC is – they are confused over what they can claim with the card.
For instance:
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5% of expats and travellers believe the card entitles them to free healthcare worldwide – it does not
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10% believe they will be flown home free if they are ill or suffer an injury – an EHIC does not offer repatriation
EHIC myths
However, around 10% of British travellers and expats have claimed free or low cost medical care in Europe with the card, but 4% have been turned away by hospitals, doctors and clinics.
The alternative to an EHIC is travel insurance for holidaymakers and business travellers or medical cover for expats.
Failing to take out the right cover can lead to some expensive bills.
For instance, one night in a private hospital in Spain can cost up to £800. Other travellers have faced bills like £7,000 for treating a broken ankle in The Canary Islands and £21,000 for hospital care after a road accident in Greece.
The truth about an EHIC is the card will not cover claims like this – some insurance is required instead.
Finding a free EHIC
A EHIC gives a British traveller the same standard of state medical care provided for nationals of the country they are visiting in Europe.
As a general rule, this is free or low cost health care in European Union and the three European Economic Area states of Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein. Although Switzerland is not in the EU or EEA, the card is accepted by medical practitioners there as well.
Anyone travelling in Europe should take an EHIC, because many medical insurers will not pay out for treatment that would have been covered by an EHIC if the patient does not present one to the hospital or clinic.
An EHIC is free from the National Health Direct web site. Watch out for web sites trying to charge a fee for this free service.
