Make Sure You've Got Healthcare Coverage in the EU

Online, May 3, 2010 (Newswire.com) - Make Sure You've Got Healthcare Coverage in the EU

Is there anyone who doesn't love that thrill of traveling abroad on holiday? Anxiously waiting, flattening your bags to close it, double-checking that you've got your passport ... still, how many of us think about our healthcare? It is more involved than simply taking out travel insurance.

Whether you're away on holiday or visiting for work, if you're going to a country that is part of the EEA (European Economic Area), then you might be entitled to obtain medical care at a lowered rate or perhaps for free. If you are a UK national, you ought tobe sure you have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). It's replaced the E-forms of previous years, including the familiar E111.

There is no charge for the EHIC and it's valid for five years. Carrying this valuable card, you are permitted access to state-provided healthcare throughout the EEA countries (and Switzerland) for a lowered expense, or occasionally completely free. Every UK resident are advised to carry an EHIC with their person when travelling abroad, plus a current travel insurance policy. At times, travel insurance companies insist that you have an EHIC and the majority of them will even suspend the extra if you have one.

The EHIC covers the provision of oxygen, kidney dialysis, maternity care and for management of symptoms of long-term or prior symptoms which come up while abroad. However, it's vital tounderstand that it will not permit you to travel abroad with the direct goal of getting private medical care. Nor does it cover you for personal items that are lost or stolen, repatriation to the UK or such emergencies as mountain rescues.

This card will give you admittance to the identical healthcare as that available from the state for residents living in the land you're visiting. Remember that not everything that's free under the NHS in the UK is free in other places. For example, you might be liable to pay for an ambulance trip, as in a few European nations these are handled privately. Be sure that you try to get the state-provided healthcare, or you could find yourself paying something you don't need to for entirely private medical services. Take particular care if the hotel where you're staying or travel rep are making arrangements for you, since they can sometimes send you to private healthcare services.

Whenever possible, show the medical office your EHIC when you come in, before treatment gets underway, and don't forget to have your travel insurance information with you. Keep in mind that many countries expect visiting patients to contribute towards their healthcare. That means, even when presenting an EHIC, you may be required to do the same. Despite the fact that you are legally entitled to completely free treatment, in some countries you will be asked to pay for your healthcare up front and subsequently have to file for a refund by means of your EHIC. In that instance, always try to file your refund in advance of going back home.

Naturally, you may prefer it out there so much that you have no desire to return home! If you're so drawn by the sun, beach or the entirely unique lifestyle that you decide to become one of the countless UK expatriates, then private expat health insurance is the best option.

There are tons of personal healthcare plans for you to choose from, many of which include family care, and at differing levels of cover. As with all such plans, select carefully and see exactly what's covered. Repatriation to the UK, or evacuation services when needed,in many cases come as standard. Most international healthcare plans also give access to a confidential, round-the-clock advice line, plus a foreign language interpreter.

Whether you're away on holiday or making that big move, be sure your healthcare is properly covered.