When planning a trip to Europe, ensuring adequate health coverage is crucial. Two common options that travellers consider are the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) and travel insurance. This article will explore the differences between the two, their respective benefits, and help you determine whether you need an EHIC if you already have travel insurance.
What is the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)?
The EHIC is a free card that entitles the holder to receive state-provided healthcare in European Economic Area (EEA) countries and Switzerland at a reduced cost or sometimes for free. It replaced the old E111 form in 2004 and is issued by the NHS Business Services Authority in the UK. The card is valid for up to five years, and it is important to note that each family member needs their own card.
Countries covered by EHIC
The EHIC covers all 27 EU member states, as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. However, it’s important to check the specific details of the card’s coverage for each country you plan to visit, as there may be some variations. For example, some countries may require you to pay a portion of the cost upfront and claim a refund later.
Types of healthcare covered by EHIC
The EHIC covers necessary medical treatment, including doctor consultations, hospital stays, emergency treatment, and some prescription medications. It also covers pre-existing medical conditions and maternity care, although there may be some restrictions. For example, if you are travelling specifically for the purpose of giving birth, the EHIC may not cover all aspects of your care. It’s important to note that the EHIC only covers state-provided healthcare, not private healthcare. If you choose to receive treatment at a private hospital or clinic, you will be responsible for paying the full cost of the treatment.
What is Travel Insurance?
Travel insurance is a policy that provides financial protection against a range of risks that can occur while travelling. These risks can include medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, flight delays, and more. Travel insurance policies can be purchased for a single trip or for multiple trips within a specified period.
Types of travel insurance policies
There are several types of travel insurance policies available, including:
Single-trip policies: These policies cover you for a single trip, from the moment you leave your home until you return. They are suitable for travellers who only take one or two trips a year.
Annual multi-trip policies: These policies cover you for multiple trips within a year, up to a specified number of days per trip. They are a cost-effective option for frequent travellers.
Long-stay policies: These policies are designed for travellers who are going on an extended trip, typically for more than three months. They offer more comprehensive coverage and may include additional benefits such as repatriation to your home country.
Backpacker policies: These policies are tailored to the needs of backpackers and long-term travellers. They often offer more flexible coverage options and may include benefits such as adventure sports coverage.
Coverage provided by travel insurance
Travel insurance policies typically provide coverage for the following:
Medical expenses: This includes the cost of emergency medical treatment, hospital stays, doctor consultations, prescription medications, and medical evacuation. In the event of a serious medical emergency, travel insurance can provide peace of mind by ensuring that you have access to the best possible medical care without having to worry about the cost.
Trip cancellation and interruption: If you have to cancel or cut short your trip due to unforeseen circumstances such as illness, injury, or a family emergency, travel insurance can reimburse you for the non-refundable costs of your trip, such as flights, accommodation, and tour packages.
Lost or stolen luggage: Travel insurance can reimburse you for the cost of replacing lost or stolen luggage and personal belongings, up to the limit specified in your policy. This can be especially important if you lose important items such as your passport, wallet, or camera.
Flight delays and cancellations: If your flight is delayed or cancelled, travel insurance can provide compensation for additional expenses such as meals, accommodation, and transportation. This can help to ease the inconvenience of a disrupted journey.
Personal liability: Travel insurance can protect you if you are held liable for causing injury or damage to someone else while travelling. This can include situations such as accidentally injuring a fellow traveller or damaging property.
Comparing EHIC and Travel Insurance
Coverage limitations of EHIC
While the EHIC provides valuable coverage for medical treatment in EEA countries and Switzerland, it does have some limitations. As mentioned earlier, it only covers state-provided healthcare, not private healthcare. Additionally, it does not cover the cost of repatriation to your home country in the event of a serious medical emergency. If you need to be flown back to the UK for treatment, the cost of the repatriation can be extremely high, and the EHIC will not cover this expense. The EHIC also does not cover non-medical expenses such as trip cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, or flight delays. If you experience any of these issues while travelling, you will need to rely on your travel insurance for coverage.
Additional benefits of travel insurance
Travel insurance offers a wider range of coverage than the EHIC, including protection against non-medical risks. In addition to covering medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, and flight delays, travel insurance can also provide coverage for other risks such as adventure sports, rental car excess, and legal expenses. If you are planning to participate in activities such as skiing, diving, or bungee jumping, it’s important to make sure that your travel insurance policy includes coverage for these activities. Many travel insurance policies also offer additional benefits such as 24/7 emergency assistance, which can be extremely helpful in the event of an emergency while travelling.
Cost comparison
The cost of the EHIC is free, while the cost of travel insurance can vary depending on a number of factors, including the type of policy you choose, the length of your trip, your age, and your pre-existing medical conditions. Generally, travel insurance policies for single trips are more expensive than annual multi-trip policies, and policies for older travellers or those with pre-existing medical conditions may also be more expensive. However, the cost of travel insurance is a small price to pay for the peace of mind it provides. In the event of a serious medical emergency or other unexpected event while travelling, the cost of not having travel insurance can be much higher.
Do You Need Both EHIC and Travel Insurance?
Situations where both are recommended
In most cases, it is recommended that you have both an EHIC and travel insurance when travelling to Europe. The EHIC provides valuable coverage for medical treatment in EEA countries and Switzerland, while travel insurance offers additional protection against a range of non-medical risks. If you have a pre-existing medical condition, it’s especially important to have both an EHIC and travel insurance. The EHIC can help to cover the cost of treatment for your pre-existing condition, while travel insurance can provide additional coverage in case of a medical emergency related to your condition. If you are travelling with expensive equipment or valuables, such as cameras, laptops, or jewellery, travel insurance can provide coverage in case of loss or theft.
Exceptions and when one may suffice
There are some situations where you may not need both an EHIC and travel insurance. For example, if you are only travelling within the UK, you do not need an EHIC, as you are already covered by the NHS. Additionally, if you are only travelling for a short period of time and do not plan to engage in any high-risk activities, you may be able to get away with just having travel insurance. However, it’s important to carefully consider the risks involved in your trip and make sure that you have adequate coverage. If you are unsure whether you need both an EHIC and travel insurance, it’s a good idea to speak to a travel insurance specialist who can provide you with advice based on your specific circumstances.
How to Apply for EHIC
Eligibility criteria
To be eligible for an EHIC, you must be a UK resident and covered by the NHS. This includes UK citizens, as well as non-UK citizens who are legally resident in the UK and have a valid National Insurance number. You can also apply for an EHIC on behalf of your dependents, such as your spouse or children.
Application process
The application process for an EHIC is simple and can be done online or by post. To apply online, you will need to visit the NHS website and fill out an application form. You will need to provide your personal details, such as your name, address, and National Insurance number, as well as details about your dependents if you are applying on their behalf. Once you have submitted your application, it will be processed within a few days, and your EHIC will be sent to you in the post. If you prefer to apply by post, you can download an application form from the NHS website or request one from your local post office. You will need to fill out the form and send it to the NHS Business Services Authority, along with any supporting documentation that may be required. The processing time for a postal application is usually longer than for an online application, so it’s important to allow enough time before your trip.
Tips for Choosing the Right Travel Insurance
Consider your travel plans
When choosing travel insurance, it’s important to consider your travel plans and the activities you will be engaging in. If you are planning to participate in high-risk activities such as skiing, diving, or adventure sports, you will need to make sure that your policy includes coverage for these activities. Additionally, if you are travelling to a remote or high-risk destination, you may need to consider a policy that offers more comprehensive coverage, such as emergency evacuation and repatriation.
Check the policy details
Before purchasing travel insurance, it’s important to carefully read the policy details and understand what is covered and what is excluded. Pay attention to the limits of coverage, the excess amount (the amount you will need to pay towards a claim), and any exclusions or restrictions. Make sure that the policy provides adequate coverage for your needs and that you are comfortable with the terms and conditions.
Read reviews and compare providers
To ensure that you are getting a good deal on travel insurance, it’s a good idea to read reviews and compare different providers. Look for reviews from other travellers who have used the insurance company and see what their experiences were like. You can also use comparison websites to compare the prices and coverage of different travel insurance policies. This can help you to find the best policy for your needs at the most affordable price.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the EHIC provides valuable coverage for medical treatment in EEA countries and Switzerland, it is not a substitute for travel insurance. Travel insurance offers a wider range of coverage, including protection against non-medical risks such as trip cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, and flight delays. In most cases, it is recommended that you have both an EHIC and travel insurance when travelling to Europe to ensure that you are fully protected. When choosing travel insurance, it’s important to consider your travel plans, check the policy details, and read reviews and compare providers to find the best policy for your needs. By taking these steps, you can have peace of mind knowing that you are covered in the event of an unexpected event while travelling.
Related topics:
What Does Travel Health Insurance Cover?
Who is the Best and Cheapest Travel Insurance?
How to Claim on Your Travel Insurance: A Comprehensive Guide
