The confusion of the EHIC cleared up

Many Brits seem to be confused about the EHIC. Some common questions include where can I use my EHIC? Is it still valid after Brexit? And do I still need to have travel insurance? So in this post, we aim to clear up all confusion over the use of the EHIC, and make you feel a whole lot more confident when you need to use foreign healthcare.

What is an EHIC?

An EHIC allows us to receive state-funded or discounted health care across the EEA and Switzerland. It covers medical treatment that is ‘medically necessary,’ and will provide us with the same treatment the country provides its residents with.

Where can I use my EHIC?

EHIC’s can be used in most countries across Europe, however some countries are excluded from this. These are:

• San Marino
• Monaco
• The Vatican
• The Isle of Man
• The Channel Islands - including Guernsey, Alderney, and Sark

As these countries do not accept EHIC’s, it is important to have sufficient travel insurance. If you are planning on going on a cruise, EHIC’s will not cover you, so it is also important to have sufficient travel insurance. Don’t forget, you can get your travel insurance from Direct Travel at either www.direct-travel.co.uk or ring our friendly team on 0330 880 3600.

Is my card still valid after we decided to leave the EU?

Even though Britain decided to leave the EU, our EHIC’s are still valid for now. No changes have yet been made to how the service works, or how you can apply for them. Be sure to keep updated with the official NHS website for future announcements.

What treatment and medical assistance does my card cover me for?

An EHIC covers you for medical treatment that is ‘medically necessary,’ and will provide you with the same treatment the country provides its residents with. The card doesn’t cover costs including repatriation, ski resort mountain rescue, or loss of property. If you are planning on going on a cruise, EHIC’s will not cover you, so it is important to have sufficient travel insurance. An EHIC will also not cover you if you plan to go abroad for treatment such as to give birth, or plastic surgery.

Do I still need travel insurance if I have an EHIC?

Yes, yes, yes, and yes! Having an EHIC certainly isn’t an alternative to having travel insurance! An EHIC will not cover you if you decided to be treated privately. It also doesn’t cover costs including repatriation, ski resort mountain rescue, or loss of property. If you are planning on going on a cruise, EHIC’s will not cover you, so it is important to have sufficient travel insurance. An EHIC will also not cover you if you plan to go abroad for treatment such as to give birth, or plastic surgery.

How much will obtaining an EHIC cost me?

EHIC’s are free, however there are many unofficial websites out there charging unknown holidaymakers. Be aware of the website you use. You can apply for your free EHIC on the official NHS website here: www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/Healthcareabroad/EHIC/

Don’t forget, you can get your travel insurance from DirectTravel at either www.direct-travel.co.uk or ring our friendly team on 0330 880 3600.