Free EHIC Discussion

TimXJR1300 wrote: »

I realised my card expired and so wanted to renew it.
I googled European Health card and at the top of the list was this site:

nhs-direct.org.uk/application.php

THIS SITE WANTS TO CHARGE so don't go there

I just came across this website as well. I'm renewing our cards for a holiday in the Autumn and had read Martin's message on facebook about this a while ago so when I saw the NHS one come up I thought 'this one must be the right site'. It's a very text heavy site but I did read it all and down the bottom it clearly states that it charges. Good job I read it all though as the web address is very very misleading. Shocking that they can get away with having an 'NHS' style web address.I have since followed the link from here to get the free card. Thanks Martin for raising awareness on this :money:

penedawn wrote: »

if that broken toe wasn't declared because it was 4 months ago, be warned they will not pay out for any claim you make, under the heading that you did not tell them the full truth. It is not relevant that you are claiming for a broken wrist and they may well cover you if you have an ingrowing toe nail however the fact that you don't tell them is the problem so if you have any concerns then give them a ring.

Read http://www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk/publications/technical_notes/medical-conditions.htm

jarr wrote: »

I can't find the official website! All the links I've been given the page has an error on it.

I think you've found the right website.
There must be something wrong with it at the moment.

We have just returned from our holiday in Portugal, where we unfortunately spent 8 of our 12 days in Faro General Hospital with our 4 yo son who had been diagnosed with pneumonia.

The hospital did not charge us a cent for his medical treatment whilst in hospital because we were able to produce his valid EHIC card on admission.

Another English speaking couple were on the childrens ward at the same time as us and they had a bill to pay because they did not have a EHIC for their daughter.

If you're reading this discussion thread you already know that having an EHIC is important, so :T for that, but please be aware that you will also need adequate travel insurance to cover you for unexpected costs associated with a stay in hospital.

We incurred over €800 of additional costs associated with the hospital stay - taxis to and from the hospital to visit daily/change parent sleepover duties, food, phone bills etc. We were devastated to discover that our travel insurance policy was a basci policy covering us for essentials only and we would not be able to claim for these costs that increased each day our son was in hospital. We have come home in debt to family and needing another holiday, although thankful our son is well and received good care in Faro Hospital.

Please bear in mind that it might be worth paying a little bit extra for a decent travel insurance policy just in case something like this happens to you (which I sincerely hope it never will).