MSE News: EHIC confusion: a third wrongly think it replaces travel insurance

Archergirl

But does the EHIC have everything covered though?

I'm sure it doesn't cover repatriation if you are seriously ill and the cost of getting you home may put a serious dent into you or your family's finances.
But if you're aware of that and are happy to risk it, it's your choice.

But then I have seen families in the local paper asking for donations to help get an injured person home as they had no travel insurance.

Pollycat

Archergirl wrote: »

But does the EHIC have everything covered though?

I'm sure it doesn't cover repatriation if you are seriously ill and the cost of getting you home may put a serious dent into you or your family's finances.
But if you're aware of that and are happy to risk it, it's your choice.

But then I have seen families in the local paper asking for donations to help get an injured person home as they had no travel insurance.

And that was the whole point of my comment.

Poq seems to think that he doesn't need travel insurance because he isn't bothered about lost luggage or personal possessions and because he's got EHIC and that covers 'health which is most important.'

I was just pointing out something he may not have considered.

And I too have seen appeals for donations for people injured abroad who didn't take out travel insurance.
But that doesn't mean that if you find yourself or one of your family in that unfortunate postion, you'll raise enough money to cover repatriation costs.
As someone who takes out travel insurance, I certainly wouldn't donate to someone who hadn't bothered to make sure they were covered for really serious problems.

daveyjp

Don't forget insurance should ( and check the small print) cover costs associated with a lost passport. Don't assume the local Embassy issues them. You may need to go to another Country to get a replacement.

Pincher

The travel insurance should be forced by law to talk to the hospital, at the insurance company's expense, using a translator, as opposed to pretending to have a 24 Hour Medical Emergency Helpline, with a teenager who can only speak English sitting in an empty office, mouthing inanities like "Everyone has gone home, I can take a message."

My wallet will have been stolen after I have an accident, whilst I lie unconscious on the street.

Pollycat

This post from another thread backs up my post about the potential cost of repatriation and other costs if you suffer serious illness:

SandC wrote: »

Yes it is worth it and it's for the medical costs that you would be wise to do so.

My brother got sick whilst in France. His EHIC would have covered his medical treatment, yes. On top of that, this what the insurance covered (he was in hospital for about 8 weeks):

Accommodation and taxi fares for his wife for the duration
Correspondence and communication between France and UK health services/hospital departments etc.
Ambulance transfer to France airport
Accompanying doctor and medical supplies on flight home
Use of 3x seats in business class
Seat on same flight for his wife
Ambulance waiting at UK airport to transfer to local hospital.

You never know when someone is going to get ill and if they are seriously sick - my brother had no existing conditions.

For what it costs it's worth it for peace of mind.

Bear in mind also, buy the insurance when you book the holiday not just before you go. If one of you gets ill and is unable to travel you should be able to get a refund, potentially on the whole holiday for all of you. Then there is theft cover etc.

It really is worth it.

webjeff

So the big debate on EHIC cards continues. The BBC hot on the heels of the Spanish Health System.
I edged my bets and bought a Translation card from EHTC-Ltd to keep with my EHIC card which Translates and expresses the need to be treated on my EHIC card. This official looking card did the trick. Show this to the Hotel reception and they get the message.

PegasusPJ

Not all countries cover 100% and as you are covered the same as local, you are therefore not covered 100% either.

In France, the cover of the state is generally only 65-80% depending on illness and medication (a quick visit at the A&E for say a broken bone might be 100%, but any surgical procedure or overnight stay will be charged), for the complement they have a private insurance.. So the EHIC will cover you up to that level but your travel insurance will replace the private insurance that the French pay.

And yes, there's the repatriation part.