Traveling and staying away from the UK should be an enjoyable experience – and most times it probably will be. In some ways the preparation for the journey is all part of the excitement of leaving normal domestic comforts and getting ready for a well deserved break or the challenge of making a new home in a different country.

For some it will be a few weeks away and for others it may be the upheaval of creating fresh roots in a new land. In the UK, there is an increase in the number of people who effectively ‘split the difference’ by spending extended periods in their second home abroad or returning to their favourite rental villa or apartment. 

Buying foreign Currency and making Car hire arrangements becomes a normal part of the spending routine. The same applies to insurances – the protection you hope you will never need but will be glad you have if and when the situation arises. For residents of the UK one protection we possibly take for granted is that of the National Health Service – and when we travel abroad it’s all too easy to assume that nothing much will happen to us. Not so! Medical emergencies can and do occur – yet it’s so easy to make sure you can get the attention you need should the need arise.

If you’re traveling outside the European Union, check out the many private insurance policies that are available, otherwise within the EU the simple precaution of making sure you have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) this entitles you to reduced-cost, sometimes free, medical treatment that becomes necessary while you’re in a European Economic Area (EEA) country or Switzerland. There are some limitations on the medical treatment you can get and for many people the EHIC will possibly be fine – but always check out what you need in relation to your personal circumstances. Best advice from the UK government is to have comprehensive private insurance for visits to all countries, regardless of whether you are covered by your EHIC.

Remember that the EHIC won’t cover you if getting medical treatment is the main purpose of your trip.

The EEA consists of the European Union (EU) countries plus Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. Switzerland applies the EHIC arrangements through an agreement with the EU. The EHIC is valid in Austria, Belgium, cyprus (but not Northern cyprus), Czech Republic, Denmark,  Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta,  Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

The EHIC is normally valid for three to five years and covers any medical treatment that becomes necessary during your trip, because of either illness or an accident. The card gives access to state-provided medical treatment only, and you’ll be treated on the same basis as an ‘insured’ person living in the country you’re visiting. Remember, this might not cover all the things you’d expect to get free of charge from the NHS in the UK. You may have to make a contribution to the cost of your care.

The EHIC also covers any treatment you need for a chronic disease or pre-existing illness. You need to make arrangements in advance for kidney dialysis and oxygen therapy. To arrange for kidney dialysis while you’re away, contact your NHS renal unit in the UK before you travel. For limited information on oxygen supply services in the EEA countries and Switzerland, call the (UK) Department of Health’s Customer Service Centre on +44(0)20 7210 4850.

Your EHIC should cover you for routine maternity care while you are away. However, if you are going to an EEA country or Switzerland specifically to have your baby, you will need an E112 form - see the ‘Non-emergency treatment section’ for more information.

Be aware that the EHIC has replaced the old E111. From 1 January 2006, E111’s are no longer valid. The quickest and easiest way to get an EHIC is to apply online, the credit card size EHIC is usually issued very quickly and free of charge, there is a simple online form to complete and can be found at;

http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Policyandguidance/Healthadvicefortravellers/index.htm

You should check out your EHIC eligibility in relation to your reason for traveling – for example, it is not valid for people who are going to live abroad and there are some restrictions depending on your nationality. UK and other EU nationals, stateless persons and refugees are covered in all EEA countries and Switzerland. However, if you are a national of cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia, your EHIC is not valid in Switzerland.

Nationals of Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway are covered in all EEA countries but not in Switzerland. People who do not have UK, EU, EEA or Swiss nationality are covered in all EU countries but not in Denmark, Norway, Liechtenstein or Switzerland. In Iceland, these people are covered for emergency treatment only.

Swiss nationals are covered in all EU countries but not in Liechtenstein or Norway. In Iceland they are covered for emergency treatment only.
 
Dependants of EEA nationals who are ordinarily resident in the UK are covered in all EEA countries and Switzerland, irrespective of their own nationality.

Your individual circumstances will clearly affect your eligibility for EHIC privileges, but the process is relatively straightforward for the regular traveler. If you are planning to live, work or study in an EEA country or Switzerland different rules apply and it is always best to check with the (UK) Department of Health on the arrangements that are appropriate for your situation.
Otherwise, with peace of mind about your health insurance sorted out before embarking on your journey, all that’s left to do is to enjoy the trip!..

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