Travel
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Travel
Going on a Holiday. Have you packed your travel insurance?
When you think about holiday planning, your thoughts will no doubt run to destinations, bulk buying sun cream and whether last year’s bikini is still looks great. All very important, I’m sure you’ll agree, but you could be missing one very important piece of kit – small enough for your hand luggage and light enough to allow for some souvenirs on the return journey; it is, of course, your holiday health insurance. There are two kinds of insurance you should consider; the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) and personal travel insurance.
The European Health Insurance Card
The European Health Insurance Card allows you access to state-provided medical care in European Economic Areas (EEA) until you return home. The medical care you receive will be at a reduced cost, or occasionally, free of charge and will cover pre-existing conditions (including pregnancy-related care provided you are not travelling with the purpose of giving birth during your stay). It is important to check the rules that relate to each country, the NHS England website has a useful resource relating to cover regulations in other countries. Alternatively you can see a list of FAQ’s here.
Any British, Swiss, or other EU/EEA national, ordinarily resident in the UK, can apply for a European insurance card; a National Insurance or NHS number can be submitted as part of your application. Every member of your family will require an EHIC card, but applying couldn’t be simpler.
The main applicant can simply log on and apply for their own card, then apply for additional EHIC cards on behalf of their partner and children at the same time. There is no charge for the EHIC when you apply direct to the NHS, and the card will cover you for a period of five years. You can apply (and carry out your EHIC renewal) online through the EHIC website http://www.ukehic.com/apply-now/ at a cost for their premium check and send service to ensure that all your details are correctly entered.
Your EHIC card will usually arrive within seven days and you can renew the EHIC up to six months before your existing card expires. A word of caution, however; as with all travel arrangements, you should allow sufficient time for the card to be processed and issued. If you made your application over the phone or online, you are covered for travel from the date of application.
The main applicant can simply log on and apply for their own card, then apply for additional EHIC cards on behalf of their partner and children at the same time. There is no charge for the EHIC when you apply direct to the NHS, and the card will cover you for a period of five years. You can apply (and carry out your EHIC renewal) online through the EHIC website http://www.ukehic.com/apply-now/ at a cost for their premium check and send service to ensure that all your details are correctly entered.
Your EHIC card will usually arrive within seven days and you can renew the EHIC up to six months before your existing card expires. A word of caution, however; as with all travel arrangements, you should allow sufficient time for the card to be processed and issued. If you made your application over the phone or online, you are covered for travel from the date of application.
Do be aware, that whilst you can expect the same level of state-funded care usually available to residents in your holiday destination, there may be instances where you are expected to pay your medical fees, or patient contribution costs, and claim back your costs using your EHIC. If these rules apply in your holiday destination, you should try to begin the paperwork before your holiday ends. New rules mean that you can no longer claim refunds in the UK for patient contributions in respect of treatment received abroad after July 1 2014. The NHS England website can provide with an up-to-date guide to the regulations in other countries.
Personal Travel Insurance
It is important to be aware that the EHIC card is not a substitute for private travel insurance cover. Whilst the EHIC is a valuable and necessary addition to your holiday arrangements, there may be scenarios where you are charged for costs relating to health issues or accidents. Rescue services and being airlifted or flown back to the UK will not be covered, for example. The health care provision in individual countries can differ and you may find that access to care that you expect free at the point of demand in the UK has a charge levied against it elsewhere. So, the wise traveler will make sure they are protected with a valid personal travel insurance cover, in addition to an EHIC card. In fact, many insurance providers will insist that you carry a valid EHIC as a requirement when taking out a policy with them.
Be mindful of the things that could potentially render your cover null and void; for example, accidents whilst under the influence of alcohol or illegal substances could leave you with high medical bills! In addition, if you have any existing medical conditions (even if they have been cured and you feel they are now quite irrelevant), do disclose them. It is always better to provide too much information than too little.
Travelling without adequate cover could not only ruin your holiday, it could lead to ruinously expensive medical costs, not something you anticipate when dreaming of a relaxing beach holiday.
- Top 8 Tips For First Time Cruisers
Cruise holidays have grown in popularity over recent years, with the appeal of visiting a number of countries in one trip and having everything you need in one place giving holidaymakers an experience they’ll never forget. According to the Cruise Lines...
- Top Destinations To Ensure You Have Travel Insurance
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- The Essential Checklist For European Travel. Stay Safe Abroad
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