how do i reclaim medical costs paid in france - whilst on holiday

robnye

hello,

i recently returned from a family holiday, in which my middle daughter had an accident and we had to see a doctor and get a prescription, paying in cash.

we had current EHIC cards in our possession but at the time we werent asked to show them.

we also had travel insurance, whom i have contacted and received paperwork from, whilst i was completing the lenghty claim form, I came a cross a question 'Have you made a claim under the E111 (EHIC)'

i havent, but i am now not sure whether i should be claiming the costs back from the NHS rather than the insurance company..... especially as the insurance company claim form is asking some rather odd and lengthy questions, which really fit with the accident my daughter had (ie it was nothing major).....


has anyone else claimed medical costs incurred whilst abroad from the NHS?
if so, how did you go about ?
whom should i speak to.. my local doctor or hospital?

many thanks for any help

spiro

What all sites say about the EHIC is that you get treatment provided abroad at the same cost as a local resident. I have never seen anything about being able to claim this element back from the NHS. Suggest you contact you local health trust for more info.

robnye

I contacted NHS patient services and was given the info below


Department for Work and Pensions Benefits Agency
Overseas Division Medical Benefits
Tyneview Park Whitley Road
Newcastle-upon-Tyne
NE98 1BA
Tel: 0191 218 1999
Hours of Business Monday to Friday 08.00-16.00

dzug1

The official route is that you claim the costs (actually only part of them) back from the French NHS, not the UK one.

However the Newcastle office may be able to help - even if only with addresses.

Francophile

I've claimed back medical costs incurred in France but I was given a form while I was there. Got about 70% of the costs back

robnye

ive phoned them and they took some details and will send me a form.

yes i understand that i wont get a full refund, but even something out of £20+ would be nice.....