Do I need travel insurance for The Netherlands?

SandC

Get insurance for the medical cover, as with the above post, budget policies do not mean you don't get good service when you make a claim, they are simply different levels of cover.

My brother got ill in France some years ago. Yes, his medical costs were covered - but the cost of keeping his wife there for the 8 weeks he was in intensive care was not Then when he was well 'enough' to fly home he had to have a doctor with him, 3 seats to himself in first class as he had to lie down, oxygen and seat for his wife also (alternative private flight at even more cost), ambulance waiting for him at airport to take him to UK hospital etc.

He was your age and no history of any serious illness but he got a collapsed lung and complications from that resulting in ICU and an induced coma.

It's worth it, trust me!

Voyager2002

It is unlikely, in your situation, that you would face a situation leading to a claim that would be for a large enough amount to justify the cost of claiming. However, there is the small risk of major medical problems. While treatment would be covered by your EHIC, lots of other costs (relatives visiting; perhaps returning to the UK before you are well enough to use ordinary public transport) would not, so in that extremely unlikely situation you would certainly have more options if you had taken out insurance.

All in all: since the cost of insurance for this trip would be minimal (similar to that of a coffee at the airport) it is sensible. Having said that, in this situation I tend not to take out insurance.

NiftyDigits

Voyager2002 wrote: »

It is unlikely, in your situation, that you would face a situation leading to a claim that would be for a large enough amount to justify the cost of claiming. However, there is the small risk of major medical problems. While treatment would be covered by your EHIC, lots of other costs (relatives visiting; perhaps returning to the UK before you are well enough to use ordinary public transport) would not, so in that extremely unlikely situation you would certainly have more options if you had taken out insurance.

All in all: since the cost of insurance for this trip would be minimal (similar to that of a coffee at the airport) it is sensible. Having said that, in this situation I tend not to take out insurance.

With Voyager as a username, I would expect you to have an annual policy. I have to state that I'm disappointed. Hand it back in so someone deserving can use it

missbiggles1

PeacefulWaters wrote: »

Imagine a severe medical situation where you're plugged into various machines and it will cost you £12,000 to get back to the uk.

Can you afford it?

Why would you want to be repatriated?

Voyager2002

NiftyDigits wrote: »

With Voyager as a username, I would expect you to have an annual policy. I have to state that I'm disappointed. Hand it back in so someone deserving can use it

Just back after six months in India and the Far East, so I think I shall hold on to my handle! I have used annual policies in the past but dislike them: they exclude long trips; may get messy when it comes to cancellation cover; and I find often offer poor value for money.

FBaby

missbiggles1 wrote: »

Why would you want to be repatriated?

Usually to be in familiar surroundings and more importantly, to hold on to visits from friends/family. It's incredible how long the days are when in hospital and how you would give anything for your friends and family to come and entertain you for just 1/2 hour.

A friend of my MIL suffered from a Stroke whilst on hols in Spain. He was in hospital for 6 weeks before the doctors would even allow to come home, but because of the risk, he couldn't go on a commercial plane, nor drive back. Unfortunately, he didn't have insurance and his wife tried desperately to get the NHS to pay for it, but they wouldn't have it, said they would only accept his care from the moment he set foot in the country. The worse part was that he was discharge from hospital, but needed physio/Speech and Language therapy/occupational therapy, but he couldn't get this with his EHIC Card. I do feel for them because in the end, they decided not to pay for repatriation as was too expensive, but by the time they added all the bills from the private care he received, hotel fees etc... it wasn't that much less than the cost of repatriation.

MIL also used to travel without insurance, but since that accident, she knows better.

Doshwaster

missbiggles1 wrote: »

Why would you want to be repatriated?

Presumably your family wouldn't want you buried in another country. Repatriation also covers the return of your dead body.

hcb42

Of course EHIC does not cover anything like what a travel insurance policy would. Delay, theft and all those other things

NiftyDigits

Voyager2002 wrote: »

Just back after six months in India and the Far East, so I think I shall hold on to my handle! I have used annual policies in the past but dislike them: they exclude long trips; may get messy when it comes to cancellation cover; and I find often offer poor value for money.

I disagree. My policy covers me for up to ninety days per trip. Whilst it isn't six months, it is a lot better than nothing. I find it excellent value, especially as I can take up to ten return trips per annum. I pay £80 for that...with no excess.
If I ever see you on GoFundMe, you get nothing! Get adequate insurance!

PeacefulWaters

missbiggles1 wrote: »

Why would you want to be repatriated?

You might be dead and have family that want you buried or cremated in the uk.

You might be severely ill and want family nearby.

You might need treatments available on the NHS that aren't available in the Netherlands.