Free or Low Cost Medical Treatment in Europe
An alternative, but it is stressed NOT a replacement for fully comprehensive travel insurance, is found in the new European Health Insurance Card.
HolidayTravelWatch always recommends that fully comprehensive travel insurance is purchased.
The Card is designed to take advantage of the reciprocal medical arrangements between countries within the EEA area.
Below is a brief guide to the card which came into effect in December 2005.
Getting Treatment in Countries in the European Economic Area
The European Economic Area (EEA) consists of the 15 member states of the European Community plus Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. Switzerland is also included, but there are some exceptions as to use in this scheme. If you or any of your dependants are suddenly taken ill or have an accident during a visit to any of these countries, free or reduced-cost emergency treatment is available - in most cases on production of a valid card. Only state-provided emergency treatment is covered, and you will receive treatment on the same terms as nationals of the country you are visiting. Private treatment is generally not covered, and state-provided treatment may not cover all of the things that you would expect to receive free of charge from the NHS.
You should also check the details of the country you are visiting, as each country will have specific conditions as to what will be paid for and what you will have to pay for. Irrespective of any available travel insurance, you should make a financial allowance when travelling, to cover the cost of any treatment you may be responsible for.
Obtaining an Application Form for The European Health Insurance Card
Go to any main post office or travel agent and ask for a leaflet “Health Advice for Travellers”. Fill in an application form, in accordance with the instructions in the leaflet. Hand over the completed form at the post office, the card is free; you will not have to pay for its issue. Keep it safe, preferably with your passport, and carry it with you when travelling within the EEA, this will allow you access to free or refundable medical treatment within the EU.
The European Health Insurance Card
This card replaces the old E 1-11 form. It is intended that the cards will allow European citizens to prove their entitlement to free or reduced cost emergency medical treatment when visiting other European countries.
It is stated that the card will:
- Replace the existing E-forms but retain the same entitlements;
- Hold no electronic or clinical data, but will show name, date of birth and a personal identification number;
- Be free of charge and valid for up to five years.
- It is intended that people will be able to apply for the new card by telephone, internet, and email.
Visit the Department of Health website for more information on the new European Health Insurance Card.
HTW has noted that amongst the submissions to the Committee on Toxicity (COT) it has been suggested that the symptoms highlighted by crew and passengers were akin to the condition of hyperventilation.
HTW has for many years received reports from concerned holiday makers or independent travellers as to the safety of their aircraft, ship or boat, train or road transport.
