E111 form to be replaced by card

[Deleted User]

As you may or may not know, the E111 form (which entitles you to free or reduced cost healthcare in the EEA and Switzerland) is being replaced by the so-called European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).

Indeed I have received mine in the post this morning, and it is valid from 1st September 2005.

NB The title of the card is a bit of a misnomer - it is NOT a substitute for a travel insurance policy.

Smiley_Mum

I have an E111 form that I got from the Post Office a little while ago. You've just reminded me that I need to fill it out etc and have it stamped. Thanks.

carl310166

Deleted_User wrote:

As you may or may not know, the E111 form (which entitles you to free or reduced cost healthcare in the EEA and Switzerland) is being replaced by the so-called European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).

Indeed I have received mine in the post this morning, and it is valid from 1st September 2005.

NB The title of the card is a bit of a misnomer - it is NOT a substitute for a travel insurance policy.

How did you apply for yours,if you don't mind me asking?

Thanks in advance.

Bossyboots

You've just reminded me my son is going to need one in a couple of weeks. I had better get that sorted.

I too would like to know how you get the card, rather than using the form if you could let us know.


Edit. I have found the instructions. http://www.dh.gov.uk/PolicyAndGuidance/HealthAdviceForTravellers/TreatmentAbroadHealthCareWithInTheEEA/InsideTheEAAArticle/fs/en?CONTENT_ID=4053734&chk=OrP3lf

[Deleted User]

carl310166 wrote:

How did you apply for yours,if you don't mind me asking?

Thanks in advance.

Apparently, according to the accompanying letter, 'When you applied for your E111 form recently (at the Post Office), you asked that we automatically issue you with the new European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)'.

I do have a vague recollection of this! :think:

I also seem to recall that all existing E111 forms became obsolete at the end of last year, and you had to 'apply' for a 'transitional' version that is valid only until 31st December 2005, which I did.

I can give you the contact details from the letter if you are interested. Let me know.

trisontana

Deleted_User wrote:

I also seem to recall that all existing E111 forms became obsolete at the end of last year, and you had to 'apply' for a 'transitional' version that is valid only until 31st December 2005, which I did.

I can give you the contact details from the letter if you are interested. Let me know.

Thanks to the Holiday Truths message board for this information (Dated December last year):-

IMPORTANT REMINDER

E111s issued prior to 19 August 2004 are already being refused in some countries, and will not be valid in any countries as from the end of this month.

If you are planning on travelling within Europe during 2005 and still have one of the old documents issued before 19 August, you should apply for a new transitional E111 or you will not be entitled to free or reduced cost reciprocal healthcare, should the need arise.

E111s can be obtained free of charge from the Post Office. Those applying for a new E111 can also opt to be automatically issued with the new European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), when it is introduced later in 2005.

Please remember that an E111 does not replace the benefits of also having a good comprehensive travel insurance policy, and failure to have a current E111 may invalidate the medical sections of your policy.

sunderblund

Get proper insurance when you go abroad E111 just gets you free medical treatment as in U.K. it dosent cover for anything else, check martins section on cheap or free travel insurance much better than E111

[Deleted User]

Deleted_User wrote:

I can give you the contact details from the letter if you are interested. Let me know.

It appears that it is being handled by the Prescription Pricing Authority (PPA). Contact details are as follows

EHIC Enquiries
PO Box 1114
Newcastle Upon Tyne
NE99 2TL

Tel 0845 605 0707
Fax 0191 203 5507
Web www.ppa.org.uk

[Deleted User]

sunderblund wrote:

Get proper insurance when you go abroad E111 just gets you free medical treatment as in U.K. it dosent cover for anything else, check martins section on cheap or free travel insurance much better than E111

But in my experience it is still well worth having (and I have made the point about insurance.)

I had to chuckle at your expression 'just gets you free medical treatment'. Just...

[Deleted User]

'From the 1st September, European Health Insurance Cards (EHIC) will be issued instead of the E111. However, unlike the E111 which can be validated on the spot at the Post Office, EHICS are posted to you. So if you don't get your new E111 by the 31st August, you risk not being covered in September.

The E111 is valid until 31st December 2005, but applications close on the 31st August.'

Source: Department of Health.

zzzLazyDaisy

sunderblund wrote:

Get proper insurance when you go abroad E111 just gets you free medical treatment as in U.K. it dosent cover for anything else, check martins section on cheap or free travel insurance much better than E111

BUT, please be aware that if you go to a private doctor or medical centre, the E111 will not cover you for free medical treatment, even in an emergency.

On holiday in Greece recently,my friend fell by the pool and broke her arm. The hotel phone the doctor who sent a car to take her to the medical centre. She received first class treatment, the arm was x-rayed and set straight away, no waiting or hanging about. But it was only later that we discovered that it was a private medical centre and E111 was not accepted. The nearest public hospital was about 45 miles away over fairly grotty roads, ad a taxi would have cost a fortune. So for all practical purposes there was no public health care available on this occasion.

So, please don't assume that E111 automatically covers you for free health care on holiday. You still need travel insurance.