Medical Treatment - Is Travel Insurance necessary if I have an EHIC?
The simple (and quick) answer is yes!
But why?
We all enjoy the planning of our next holiday, be it an adventure holiday, a trip to the slopes or simply to relax and experience new countries and cultures. Unfortunately, often the planning stage does not include considering whether we have sufficient protection in place in the event that we suddenly fall ill or have an accident whilst on holiday. This has, for many, proven to be a very costly mistake.
If you do fall ill or have an accident which necessitates medical attention, you do not want the added stress of having to find the funds to pay for what can often be expensive medical treatment. Insurance company statistics show that the average cost of claims for medical treatment can range from minor claims of under £100 to as much as £40,000.
When travelling abroad it is always advisable to ensure that you have appropriate travel insurance. However, when travelling within the European Economic Area or to Switzerland, it is also necessary to ensure that you have a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Whilst travel insurance provides many different sections of cover, including medical expense cover, the EHIC is designed specifically for healthcare costs. Travel insurance does not replace the EHIC (and vice versa) even when travelling in Europe. You need both to cover all eventualities and indeed some insurance companies now insist that you hold a valid EHIC.
The EHIC (which replaced the E111 in January 2006 and is no longer valid) is free of charge when applying through the official EHIC website (www.ehic.org.uk). It should be noted however that there may be a charge if you apply for an EHIC via unofficial websites.
The EHIC is valid within the European Economic Area and Switzerland, and allows you to receive state-provided healthcare at a reduced cost, and sometimes free of charge. Whilst all countries have slightly different healthcare systems resulting in some treatment that may be free on the NHS not being covered, it is advisable to carry your EHIC with you at all times and to present this upon arrival at the Clinic/Hospital to ensure you get the cover you are entitled to.
Unfortunately however, not all resorts (particularly ski resorts) have state-owned medical facilities and therefore you may find yourself in need of medical treatment in a private clinic where the EHIC is refused – in this instance you can then seek to rely upon your travel insurance policy for cover (subject to specific policy terms and conditions).
The EHIC will also not cover the costs of being flown back to the UK if the worst were to happen and you were in need of repatriation. Once again your travel insurance policy is likely to cover such costs.
A word of warning, as a UK resident, when travelling to the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man the EHIC is not valid.
And finally, please beware – just as you need to renew your travel insurance, you will also need to renew your EHIC. The EHIC is valid for five years and the expiry date is printed on the front of the card. You will not get a reminder when it is due for renewal so unless you have a very good memory it would be advisable to check your EHIC is valid when booking your next holiday. Better checked often than overlooked!
Please note that the guidance published in this article is for information only and does not constitute legal advice upon which you should rely. If you have any queries regarding cover you should seek advice and remember … always read the small print!