european health insurance card

bogdweller

if you apply for this card online, be aware that it is free if you go through the direct.gov website, and that there are agencies charging you just under a £10 for doing it for you and they come at the top of the google list.

Tarry

I got mine for free by phoning up for it?

loopholer

I just spotted the same scam, if you google "european health insurance card" the first hit leads you to a form charging £10, but if you go via the NHS website it's free. Looks like a scammer is linking through to a free service but charging you.

This is the link you need:

https://www.ehic.org.uk/Internet/home.do

AHAR

loopholer wrote: »

This is the link you need:

https://www.ehic.org.uk/Internet/home.do

That's the link I'd call the true top result. The things displayed above that are paid-for adverts.

Goldieyorks

I stupidly in a hurry today ended up falling victim to a website where you pay for the EHIC. I have requested a refund but because some ticked a box I have waived my right to the 7 day cooling off period. They also claim that they clearly state it is free on their website. I am livid with myself for not looking more closely at the website. It was the first in the list under the advertised links and I guess I just assumed it was the right one. The whole nature of their business is based on people misunderstanding that they can get it free elsewhere. I have sent a complaint to the OFT. It feels very unjust that what they are doing is legal and that they will continue to trade :mad:

jellybabe2

thanks for the link loopholer, ours is due to run out in june.good reminder got straight on to it on line, done:beer:

bcl999

bogdweller wrote: »

if you apply for this card online, be aware that it is free if you go through the direct.gov website, and that there are agencies charging you just under a £10 for doing it for you and they come at the top of the google list.

Search and ye shall find
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/2497359

skintsaver_2

i know this may sound stupid but do you need travel insurance as well as a health card??

McKneff

skintsaver wrote: »

i know this may sound stupid but do you need travel insurance as well as a health card??

Not stupid at all, yes you do need travel insurance, EHIC only covers you for basic medical attention.

Enterprise_1701C

skintsaver wrote: »

i know this may sound stupid but do you need travel insurance as well as a health card??

Yes - it does not cover repatriation, cancellation etc. It is purely for emergency health care.

Steaminboot

McKneff wrote: »

Not stupid at all, yes you do need travel insurance, EHIC only covers you for basic medical attention.

I have a valid EHIC but am lucky enough to have, so far , not required it.
I have heard of instances though where insurers have insisted that customers phoning them to advise that they will need to see a doctor or attend a hospital have been told they MUST produce their EHIC.

I am assuming that this is to save the insurers money , but having heard anecdotal stories that in some countries the service and care provided are less when an EHIC is produced rather than the "red carpet " treatment when they know an insurer is picking up the bill.

Can anyone shed any light ?