Is Travel insurance needed ?

keyprices

I have just been renewing my travel insurance , I read in one of Martin Lewis forums that I should take with me the NHS card EHIC , this has got me thinking that if I'm ill in Spain and I use the Spanish states health service using that card, the service is free, as it is for the Spanish people So why am I Paying £150 to the insurance company for a Free Service ?

MSE_James

We've moved your question to a more appropriate part of the forum.

You might also want to take a look at this section of our travel insurance guide:

https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/insurance/cheap-travel-insurance/#ntk4 

TadleyBaggie

You might find yourself admitted to a private hospital (as happened to me), GHIC won't be accepted (EHIC has been phased out. Even if you went to Spanish state hospital, what happens after you are discharged? You might not be fit to fly immediately and need to recuperate locally, who would pick up those costs. What if you needed to be repatriated?

Bottom line, GHIC does not negate the need for travel insurance.

DullGreyGuy

You have a major accident and have to stay in hospital for 3 months and wait a further 6 months before you can fly again... your insurer would look to repatriate you on a medivac flight at the earliest opportunity, can you afford your own private jet effectively? Happy to stay there alone for 9 months, wouldn't have a partner or family member stay with you? Do you have a visa for staying in Spain for 9 months?

Outside of illness, what happens if someone steals your suitcase? Or the hotel you're staying at goes bust? Got the funds to buy/book another? Happy to loose the money if you have said nasty accident on the day before you go? Happy to be buried in Spain if the worst happens?

Ultimately claims are different for travel in the EU but then travel insurance thats limited to the EU considers that in its pricing.

user1977

Also bear in mind that other countries’ state health cover can be much more restricted than the UK in what you get for free. Often things have charges (unless you qualify on means testing etc).

oldernonethewiser

keyprices said:

I have just been renewing my travel insurance , I read in one of Martin Lewis forums that I should take with me the NHS card EHIC , this has got me thinking that if I'm ill in Spain and I use the Spanish states health service using that card, the service is free, as it is for the Spanish people So why am I Paying £150 to the insurance company for a Free Service ?

Cos you aren't.