Key EHIC Info to Know when You Go on Holiday

The EHIC card (European Health Insurance Card) is an essential item take when you travel to any other European country, whether for business or on holiday. It provides you with free or reduced-cost healthcare to the same level as residents of the country you are travelling to, so it can come in very handy should anything unforeseen happen. However, there is some key information that you should know before you travel.

Where Is It Valid?

The first thing to know about the card is where it is valid, which is EEA countries. You can find a full list of countries in the EEA on the NHS website. Always check to make sure the country you're travelling to is covered so that you know where you stand.

Costs Involved in Receiving Treatment

It is a common misconception that all treatment is free upon presentation of the EHIC card. In fact, you will often be expected to pay something towards the cost of your treatment. This is more common in some countries than others, and it also depends on the type of treatment you are receiving. For example, it may be free in some EEA countries to visit a doctor, but in others you may have to pay a nominal or even considerable amount. If you need a prescription, you may also have to pay for this.

The only way to know in advance is to check the up to date information on the official NHS website, where you can find out what you will be expected to pay for in each country.

Applying for Your Card

To apply for the EHIC card you should head to the official NHS website. Here you can fill out a form with your details (or contact them by phone) and the card will be sent to you without any cost. If you are asked to pay for the card you may have ended up on a fake website that is trying to make money unscrupulously. Also, you need to remember that everyone who is travelling will need their own card. So if you are travelling with children, make sure you apply for separate cards for each of them.

Do Some Research and Be Prepared

Make sure you know exactly what is and isn't covered when you apply for your EHIC card. Don't make any assumptions and always make enquiries through the official channels if you have any doubts or questions. 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 EHIC card (European Health Insurance Card). This top up insurance will cover issues not covered by the EHIC card.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.