Free EHIC Discussion

poorly_scammo

They are free: https://www.ehic.org.uk/Internet/home.do

I got mine within a fortnight.

naomi66

Just to let anyone know that these cards are no longer free. I have just renewed one of my daughter's card and I had to pay £14.99 processing fee!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Still, I wouldn't go away without it, but FREE to £14.99, is a bit steep!!!!

balletshoes

naomi66 wrote: »

Just to let anyone know that these cards are no longer free. I have just renewed one of my daughter's card and I had to pay £14.99 processing fee!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Still, I wouldn't go away without it, but FREE to £14.99, is a bit steep!!!!

no, its still free -

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

you have paid for a free service naomi.

s_b

naomi66 wrote: »

Just to let anyone know that these cards are no longer free. I have just renewed one of my daughter's card and I had to pay £14.99 processing fee!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Still, I wouldn't go away without it, but FREE to £14.99, is a bit steep!!!!

wife worked for the nhs and she renewed our cards last month and it was only because it asked for payment that she realised it wasnt the official site where it is free so it is easy to end up paying by accident

furndire

I've just renewed ours for free a couple of weeks ago. Shame people aren't looking on MSE before they renew.

Vikki_74

I've just got a new EHIC card in my married name, but my passport (which is the only form of photo ID I have) is still in my maiden name and I'm not planning on replacing it any time soon.

Hopefully I won't need to use the card at all, but if something did happen, would I need to show ID at the hospital or wherever, or will they just accept it? Just wondering whether I need to take a copy of our marriage certificate away with me to be on the safe side, or am I worrying over nothing?

furndire

I doubt if they are from one of those companies Travellingbum - everyone has to start posting sometime - so this is as good as any.

MissPiggy1

on 12th Jan i went to what i thought was the offical website to renew my EHIC cards for my family. In error i went onto a 3rd party website called nhs direct org uk.
I didnt see the small print as i was in hurry ( i know this is my fault) and paid the £9.99 fee! As of today the 17th Feb my cards havent arrived and i dont think they ever will!
I spoke to my mum who said the cards are free! I found the correct website, ordered my cards which arrived in 4 working days!

I am now trying to get my money back which is causing me a great deal of pain!

Please make sure you use the correct free website and not make the same mistake i made. I suppose i was lucky as i only paid £9.99 for a family of 5, some people have paid £15 per card!

scottishperson2

MissPiggy1 wrote: »

on 12th Jan i went to what i thought was the offical website to renew my EHIC cards for my family. In error i went onto a 3rd party website called nhs direct org uk.
I didnt see the small print as i was in hurry ( i know this is my fault) and paid the £9.99 fee! As of today the 17th Feb my cards havent arrived and i dont think they ever will!
I spoke to my mum who said the cards are free! I found the correct website, ordered my cards which arrived in 4 working days!

I am now trying to get my money back which is causing me a great deal of pain!

Please make sure you use the correct free website and not make the same mistake i made. I suppose i was lucky as i only paid £9.99 for a family of 5, some people have paid £15 per card!

Its not exactly small print:-

"IMPORTANT: For the avoidance of doubt, please note that this website is not connected to, or affiliated with, the NHSBSA, Department of Health, or any Government office. This is an independent, third-party website, offering an EHIC application review and verification service, for which a fee is payable. The fee is PER FORM and up to 2 adults and up to 4 of their dependent children aged under 18 may be included on a single application form. You do not have to have your application reviewed prior to submission, and, if you decide that the service we offer is not appropriate to your needs, you may apply direct to the NHSBSA without incurring any charge. "

Don't know if a credit card complaint would get you anywhere?

waltervs

We have just come back from Austria where we tried to use our EHIC cards to go and see the doctor.

He was not in the least bit interested in them and insisted, instead, that we pay his fees up front, claiming that we could "then claim them back on our insurance".

I am sure this is not correct. but, on the other hand, where does one report this kind of behaviour?