EHIC CARD

[JillD66]

Sorry if this subject has already been covered elsewhere.

I decided to renew our European Health Insurance Cards the other day which had already expired in 2010.

Being naive - I just googled EHIC and then proceeded to renew our cards on their website, at a cost of £16.99.

Having a thought after the event (wish I'd had it before!) I then rechecked to discover that if I'd gone straight to the NHS site - I could have ordered the cards for nothing!

I'd paid the "scam" fee of £16.99 so decided to consider this as a lesson learnt instead. Basically EHIC state on their website that they offer a check service but as far as I can see, they just forward the details to NHS, who issue the cards direct for nothing. Yes of course I had ticked the terms & conditions box, so have no leg to stand on!

This is just a warning for the few who are unaware of the above!

[Kendhni]

A very good reminder Jill and easy to do ... especially since some people seem to think it now has a fee like the ESTA.

The EHIC is FREE and can be obtained by completing the very simple form at this link

[JillD66]

Happy to place my shame on record if it helps somebody else!!

PS - I was trying to delete my post as I'd put it into non cruise related topics - I'll just have to admit I'm not good at anything technical!!

[noddy10]

There has also been reports of people needing emergency medical care in Spain and Greece being refused treatment, even though it is against EU rules, when they have produced there EHIC cards. They are being sent to private clinics instead because they know because you are a traveller you will more than likely have travel insurance and they can charge you instead of giving it you free under EU rules.

[Manoverboard]

If you go into an EU Hospital without the card you will almost certainly be charged for the treatment so always carry it with you.

[welshynurse]

I did the same thing a couple of weeks ago. I didn't pay for it a few years ago, but lost my card. When I saw the price I just thought it was a new thing, since you have to pay for everything these days. It wasn't until I spoke to my sister who didn't pay for hers a few months ago that I realised my mistake. Doh!

[Sealion]

Yes I went on line a couple of weeks ago to renew my card but when the request for payment appeared I realised I was on the wrong site. Easily done.
Also there is a warning on the Money Saving Expert web site that some hospitals in Greece and Spain in the popular resort areas are unlawfully refusing EHIC cards.

[JillD66]

Reporting the safe receipt from NHS of the two cards I "paid" for from EHIC.

Just think - it only took 4 days for the EHIC site to check my application, forward to NHS and for the NHS to post them out 2nd class!

The cards are now safely stored inside our passports!

[Manoverboard]

The site for the Official ' free ' one is ...

http://www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/Healthcare ... -ehic.aspx

It's probably worth taking the time to read the ' Healthcare abroad ' link.

[melsea]

Do make sure you take the card on shore as you will be charged for medical services if you do not have it on your person.

[howard18]

At least one Insurance company make it a condition on their health insurance that you must use your EHIC card (if in Europe) prior to any claim being considered.

Howard