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Free EHIC Discussion
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I’d already entered all the Emergency Service numbers - Police, Fire, Ambulance - into my mobile as soon as we arrived in Malta so was able to call an ambulance right away and they were with us within five minutes. (There's a good tip for you, you never know when you'll need one of them.)
After being admitted to hospital, I was asked if Jane had an EHIC. Affirming she had, I was asked to bring it along the following day, together with her passport. I duly arrived on Wednesday morning, went to reception and enquired as to where Jane was and was given directions to her ward. When I reached the ward, I spoke to the ward doctor who took Janes EHIC number and confirmed her ID with the passport. Then he told me that Jane was already in theatre and being operated on.
Ultimately, spending six days in hospital, having plates inserted into her leg to repair the breaks and all the aftercare that went with it, it cost us nothing except for the injection drugs needed for the flight home. I hate to think what it would have cost if Jane hadn’t got her EHIC card.
As a post script, if you have a problem logging on to the EHIC web site, just call their number; 0845 606 2030 and an adviser will take all your details and get your card sent out to you.
Although NOT having EHIC may invalidate your policy or result in a reduction of the policy excess.
Worth it, but you may end up having to spend your holiday spends!
https://www.ehic.org.uk/Internet/home.do
proper website address
I always get travel insurance alongside these cards but the cards make things easier sometimes. About 18 months ago my 5 year old slipped in the villa we were staying in and landing his head on the edge of the coffee table. Fair to say it needed a trip to hospital for stitches (wont go into any more detail on that!)
We ended up in a village called Rojales in the Costa Blanca. A nice new 'walk in' style centre. Problem being they spoke no english (I was in spain!) and I could only speak little spanish. First thing the receptionist asked for was the E111 card, I took my insurance with me, but it was the card they wanted. They then put my little one on the Spanish healthcare computer and he was issued with their NHS equivelant card. All done and dusted, although it was butcheresque. But well worth getting the card as no other paperwork needed and my travel insurance wasn't used at all.
Applicants must be UK resident.
Interesting to note that the article doesn't mention that.
I too thought that Indian nationals are not eligible for EHIC. However In this link https://www.ehic.org.uk/Internet/home.do, it mentions that
"If you are a non-EEA national you can only apply by post as you need to provide further documentation that supports your application. You can pick up an application form from the Post Office".