how to find out where we can use form E111 abroad

melb

Afternoon we've recently returned from Spain and my son fell ill while there. Details in the villa were of an english speaking doctor who we went to see and it cost us 45 euros. I showed him my son's E111 card but he would not accept it. last year in Alcossebre we were given details of the local doctor which was in a surgery where we made an appointment and didn't have to pay after showing this card. I've tried to find out myself but does anyone know how I can find where there are doctors who will accept this card? In this specific instance it was javea but is there a list somewhere of where one can use the E111 card does anyone know? thanks

Pollycat

Hi
Did you show the E111 card or its replacement - which is the EHIC (European Health Insurance Card)?

Here's what you are entitled to within Spain:
http://www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/healthcarespain/Pages/healthcarespain.aspx

What were the doctor's reasons for not accepting the card you showed?

What did the €45 cover? e.g. consultation, medication

PolishBigSpender

The problem with the EHIC card is that many European countries don't have free universal health care - and all the EHIC card entitles you to is the same treatment as a native. For instance, here, an English speaking doctor is very unlikely to be registered under the NFZ (national health insurance) scheme - and thus you'll have to pay. If you use the EHIC card in Ireland for instance, then you'll have to pay to see a GP - exactly the same as a native.

I miss the UK's NHS in terms of free access, to be honest.

Bebsie

Does the EHIC card replace the E111? Alos, how do I apply for it?

Pollycat

Bebsie wrote: »

Does the EHIC card replace the E111? Alos, how do I apply for it?

Yes it did replace the E111 - over 3 years ago.

More details and how to apply here:
http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travelling-and-living-overseas/staying-safe/travel-insurance/ehic

Bebsie

Pollycat wrote: »

Yes it did replace the E111 - over 3 years ago.

More details and how to apply here:
http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travelling-and-living-overseas/staying-safe/travel-insurance/ehic

Thanks Pollycat - I have not been away for a while

melb

Thanks for replying Pollycat. He didn't give a reason for not accepting just said sort it out with your travel insurance -= unfortunately my excess is £60. I didn't like his attitude at all. when I asked how much he would be charging before we started he said my dear your child's health is more important than money surely? I said of course it is but it's just that we don't have a lot of money. He said initial consultation was 45 euros then we'll see ... he only had diarrhoea but we didn't want it to get much worse. Before we knew where we were my son was up on the bed being given the 3 tests for appendicitis (don't ask!). I'd got visions of being carted off to the emergency hospital for exploratory operations! - only 500 euros my dear!!! anyway he stuck a thermometer under his tongue and up his jacksie and seemed surprised when I didn't know how to do the latter - he was German - say no more - I think they can be a bit an***y obsessed. This is probably a bit more information than you wanted - sorry. We thought it was hilarious - but rather costly! and we want to know next time we go to Javea where to go for a free initial appointment

benjus

melb wrote: »

Thanks for replying Pollycat. He didn't give a reason for not accepting just said sort it out with your travel insurance -= unfortunately my excess is £60. I didn't like his attitude at all. when I asked how much he would be charging before we started he said my dear your child's health is more important than money surely? I said of course it is but it's just that we don't have a lot of money. He said initial consultation was 45 euros then we'll see ... he only had diarrhoea but we didn't want it to get much worse. Before we knew where we were my son was up on the bed being given the 3 tests for appendicitis (don't ask!). I'd got visions of being carted off to the emergency hospital for exploratory operations! - only 500 euros my dear!!! anyway he stuck a thermometer under his tongue and up his jacksie and seemed surprised when I didn't know how to do the latter - he was German - say no more - I think they can be a bit an***y obsessed. This is probably a bit more information than you wanted - sorry. We thought it was hilarious - but rather costly! and we want to know next time we go to Javea where to go for a free initial appointment

The state health centre in Javea old town (on the Plaza de la Constitucion) is very good and will not charge anything if you present the EHIC card, although don't expect them to speak anything other than Spanish (and Valencian).

I assume there are also facilities in Javea port and the Arenal but I don't know where they are.

Pollycat

melb
it sounds like benjus has given you some good advice for the future.

This link may also give you an idea what is available, it says that state-provided healthcare in Spain is free of charge.

http://www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/healthcarespain/Pages/healthcarespain.aspx

I'm glad it wasn't serious for your son, the doctor you saw sounds a bit of a charlatan.

melb

thank you so much for that Benjus - hopefully we won't ever need it but handy to know. Is it anywhere near the Police station where the new underground carpark is? We spent several minutes over 3 days last year trying to pay a parking fine at the police station with our very limited spanish and their non-existant english until we realised they were saying - go home - you don't need to pay it - don't you understand - and looking really irritated at us. this was after trying to pay at a bank who also didn't want to receive it.

melb

That's one way of putting it Pollycat - but he believed he was very important and that's all that mattered!!!!