EU warns Spain over hospitals' rejection of EU health card

mattytun

The European Commission is launching legal action against Spain over the refusal of some hospitals to recognise the European Health Insurance Card.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-22714147

Backbiter

I once had an accident in Paris and had to be taken to hospital for treatment. I was in possession of an EHIC, but they wouldn't even look at it, and demanded my passport. I did have it, and within weeks I was billed for treatment.

I contacted the relevant body at the DHSS (or whatever it's called these days) and was told to send them the bills.

Within weeks they sent them back to me, and told me to pay the bills myself. They said they would reimburse me.

I wrote back saying that was a ridiculous system, which would be far simpler if they were to deal direct with French hospitals.

I also pointed out that the French had asked me to pay by cheque, which isn't possible, as UK cheques aren't accepted over there. They gave no other means of payment. Obviously cash in the post was out of the question.

Six years later they have yet to chase me for payment.

The EHIC system seems to be a bit of a farce.

headpin

How did they obtain your address? Passports have never had your address in them. Should have given them a fictitious address. How would they check its accuracy? You would only be playing the same unlawful game that they were adopting! And, of course, the are French too!!!

Backbiter

I must have filled in a form. At least they didn't demand upfront payment or credit card details, as they might well have done in a private hospital. I know most hospitals/ medical centres in French ski resorts are private, although I think they deal direct with insurance companies and just charge the policy excess.

mysk_girl

It does work well in some cases though, I had my appendix removed at a hospital in Vienna, they took one look at the card and all was sorted. I did get a small bill of about £80 for some tests that apparently weren't covered, but seeing as I had a life saving emergency operation and spent 4 days in hospital, I just paid up.

bcl999

Interesting subject but are we supposed to consider this a deal, a bargain or a special offer?