Research Reveals Misunderstandings About the EHIC

The holidays are coming, and many people are either booking their flights or getting ready to go overseas for their annual trip. Unfortunately, however, many travellers planning their holidays do not take out travel insurance. But be warned: if you travel abroad without insurance and you end up becoming ill or having an accident, the holiday dream can soon turn into a nightmare.

What About the EHIC?

The EHIC – the European Health Insurance Card, also referred to as the EU medical card – is free and it provides access to state healthcare to holders when they travel to countries in the EU, as well as Switzerland, Norway, Liechtenstein and Iceland.

Despite it being completely free and its potential to save travellers a lot of money, it seems one fifth of adults in the UK have not heard of it. This is according to research from GoCompare.com, which, interesting, also says that despite so many people not having heard of the card, one in 10 adults has used it to get treatment. Very telling statistics!

Misunderstandings

The research also revealed that over half of the people who have an EHIC do not understand what cover it actually provides, with many thinking that it is a replacement for travel insurance. It seems they believe that the EU medical card provides them with free medical care, and around five percent think it provides cover all over the world.

So What Is the EHIC?

The EU medical card can be very useful if you need to get access to healthcare while overseas. However, it is no guarantee that you will get free health cover. The card covers the cost of state healthcare, but remember this is not always free. Indeed, in many situations you will have to pay some of the cost towards the treatment. For example, if you need to book a consultation with a doctor in France, this may cost you money. And even though most of it can be reimbursed, you will still need to pay some of the cost. Also, remember that state care varies in different countries, and the quality may be different to the healthcare you currently receive in the UK.

Take Both the EHIC and Travel Insurance

The EU medical card should be considered a complement to travel insurance rather than a replacement, so it is a wise idea to have both. If you have a minor injury, you may prefer to use the card instead of your insurance, which will mean you don't have to pay the excess. So prepare properly for your holiday this year by getting your EHIC card as well as a suitable insurance policy.

P.K. Chong is the Managing Director of All About EHIC. As a major insurance authority, we provide information and top up insurance for those travellers with an EU medical card, known as the EHIC. This top up insurance will cover issues not covered by the EHIC card.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.