Medical treatment abroad

Cacran

I am going to Ibiza next week.
Being of a certain age group!!!! I always consider what would happen in a medical emergency. Both myself and my husband have conditions which are not covered by our insurance. To cover them would not have been cost effective (by far).
We carry a H111 card, so should be entitled to health care for free, in Ibiza (I think). Last time I needed attention, medically, I was only directed to a private doctor, who was, incidentally, no use. He gave me medication that my own doctor said I should never have had. I suspect that private patients can be duped, financially. How can I find out about their ordinary health service???

GwylimT

Google Ibiza state healthcare.

I personally would never travel to another country without full medical insurance. Your EHIC covers pre-existing conditions, but if a resident pays a fee or a co-pay then you do as well.

tanith

I think its madness to go and not be covered if something were to happen you would have to fund your extended stay and repatriation should it be necessary. Also you may well be charged for medication and other things as the Spanish are .

Cacran

Yes, I am not happy about the conditions not being covered but my husband has cancer which is non life threatening, nor is he ill. To be honest the cancer is no more but he has to have preventative treatment for 3 years in case it comes back. The premium was going to be £6000. My conditions that are not covered are controlled by medication and I have had them for years and never causes me any trouble, just discomfort. Taking all this into consideration, we decided to go. We do pay extra insurance for other items that we want covering for. I think that until you are in our situation, you cannot really judge what you would do.
We are prepared to pay for medical treatment or repatriation if need be. We don't want to but we are able to.
I just want to have the choice whether to go to private health or their own state health, regardless of their local charges. The reason for the E111, is just for that. If I were Spanish and came to UK, I would have that same choice.
Thanks Gwylim T I will try Google.

maman

Cacran wrote: »

Yes, I am not happy about the conditions not being covered but my husband has cancer which is non life threatening, nor is he ill. To be honest the cancer is no more but he has to have preventative treatment for 3 years in case it comes back. The premium was going to be £6000. My conditions that are not covered are controlled by medication and I have had them for years and never causes me any trouble, just discomfort. Taking all this into consideration, we decided to go. We do pay extra insurance for other items that we want covering for. I think that until you are in our situation, you cannot really judge what you would do.
We are prepared to pay for medical treatment or repatriation if need be. We don't want to but we are able to.
I just want to have the choice whether to go to private health or their own state health, regardless of their local charges. The reason for the E111, is just for that. If I were Spanish and came to UK, I would have that same choice.
Thanks Gwylim T I will try Google.

I do think Insurance companies can be a bit perverse when it comes to cancer. It seems that if consultants want to keep an eye on you (e.g.annual check up) then it's not covered. If they didn't bother to check then you'd be covered! How daft is that.


Sorry, I know nothing about Ibiza but wanted to check that you have an up to date EHIC card. You seem unaware what it's called and an alarming number of people let theirs lapse.

Voyager2002

You are asking the right questions: I think you need to be well-informed about the Spanish health-care system from a consumer's point of view. Ordinary Spanish people are probably the best to advise you: you could probably make local friends through a web-site such as Expat Network or Couch-surfing. Many Spanish people are happy to give local information and advice in return for a little help with their English, so that could be a way forward for you.

Cacran

Sorry I do have an up to date card, just forgot it is no longer E111.

I agree that regarding cancer cover, it is daft.

tanith

As you are able to pay any extras and the cost of upgrade to insurance is quite prohibitive then your decision to just go anyway is the right one for you... have a good holiday

InsideInsurance

The NHS website has a section on each european country, on what you are and arent covered for and the potential pitfalls.

http://www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/Healthcareabroad/countryguide/Pages/healthcareinSpain.aspx

Caz3121

worth having a read of this too http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/news/travel/2013/03/warning-ehics-illegally-declined-spain-greece