Why you should get an EHIC to go with your travel insurance

Want to know the greatest travel secret?

Okay, aside from the one about that deserted beach in Thailand that no-one else knows about. And how to get a free upgrade to Business Class at the check-in desk.

I reckon it is the existence of the EHIC card……or the European Health Insurance Card to give it its full name.

This little piece of plastic covers you - if you are a UK resident - for any basic medical treatment which becomes necessary when you are travelling in (most) European countries. By holding one of these cards, you are entitled to the same level of healthcare that a local resident in that country would. It’s an Europe-wide initiative (though see the website for the full list of countries and exclusions) and cards are quick, easy and free to apply for online.

The EHIC card replaces what was previously known - or seemingly unknown - as the E111 form. I asked some friends and family about this and none had even heard of the EHIC and only a few knew about the old E111 (“My teacher made me get one before we went on the school ski trip”, one told me).

You may wonder what this means in terms of having travel insurance - and indeed I did too - but the official advice is that the EHIC card is something that complements a travel insurance policy and that having both are advisable. Let me quote you directly from the FAQ section on the EHIC website:

“The EHIC does not cover some costs such as repatriation. Some insurance companies require you to have an EHIC and some companies will waive the excess charge if an EHIC has been used”

On this last point, I know that Swiftcover.com will waive the £75 excess fee if you present the hospital treating you with your EHIC card and get a discount. In other words, well worth getting a card as it could not only help save your life, but save you time and money too. Sounds good, whatever your priority!

I applied for mine recently for me and my family and the set of cards arrived back in the post within a few days. Follow the link above to claim yours…

1 comment August 27th, 2007

Check out this travel checklist

Going away for a holiday is a chance to relax and enjoy a stress-free break from everyday life. Of course, before you get away, you need to remember everything you will need to take with you, and make sure you get to the airport with enough time to check-in, go through all the security checks, and not get so carried away with the credit-card in the duty free shop that you end up missing your flight!

One thing that might help is this handy travel checklist - courtesy of Cheapflights website. You can browse it online to give you some inspiration or better still why not print it and tick off the items as you pack.

Of course, travel insurance is listed as one of the essentials. something you can sort out quick and easily right here at Swiftcover.com.

Add comment August 20th, 2007