If you are heading off on travels around Europe, you may have been told that you need an EHIC. This is very true – but do you know why it should be considered a necessity?
The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is a medical card which can be used in a variety of countries, including:
- Austria
- France
- Finland
- Germany
- Hungary
- Latvia
- Ireland
- Spain
- Switzerland
What does an ETHIC cover?
The EHIC covers the medical treatment that a traveller may require in the unfortunate event of an illness or injury. In addition to emergencies, the EHIC also covers chronic illnesses. Routine medical support is also available under this scheme for pregnant women. It is necessary that such treatments are carried out at the state facility, as private medical treatment is not covered under the EHIC.
An EHIC is completely free, meaning there is no excuse for holding one. Over 25 million people have an EHIC and agree that it is an essential for travel. The intention of the scheme is to allow people to continue their stay in a country without having to return home for medical care.
Who requires a card?
You can easily apply for an EHIC – Read more to get it done as soon as possible. Though you must be over 16 to apply, every family member requires a card. To apply on behalf of a child, just include them in the relevant section of the application and you’ll each receive a separate EHIC. It is important to remember that your EHIC will have to be renewed every 5 years. Over 5 million EHIC cards expired in 2016, so make sure to check its expiry date before jetting off. You can apply up to six months before your old one expires.
Many people believe that they do not need travel insurance if they have an EHIC – this is not the case. EHIC will only help you meet the cost of medical treatment. EHIC will not cover private medical healthcare costs. It is also not valid on cruises. With all these factors in mind, do not make the mistake of refusing travel insurance.
If you travel to Europe without your EHIC but then need medical treatment during your visit, you can be issued with a Provisional Replacement Certificate (PRC) to prove your entitlement to the EHIC. There are easily accessible helplines to ensure that this process is simple for you.
So, if you are heading off on Europe travels any time soon, there really is no excuse to not having an EHIC – order your EHIC today and be stress free on your next adventure.
