EHIC European Health Insurance Card

[Italy4me]

Our good friend, Sue, was unfortunate and suffered a fall in Scalea but was carrying her UK issued EHIC , which gives access to healthcare throughout Europe and Switzerland.
The following info is taken from the UK NHS website (link at the end) but the important points to remember are:
1. The card is free but does expire and needs to be renewed.
2. It ISN'T an alternative to medical insurance but should be carried at all times when travelling abroad to prevent having to pay for treatment and then ask for re-imbursement.

Introduction

The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) allows you to access state-provided healthcare in all European Economic Area (EEA) countries and Switzerland at a reduced cost or sometimes free of charge.
Everyone who is resident in the UK should have one and carry it with them when travelling abroad. Remember to check your EHIC is still valid before you travel. Applying for the card is free and it's valid for up to five years.
Presenting the EHIC entitles you to treatment that may become necessary during your trip, but doesn't allow you to go abroad specifically to receive medical care. However, maternity care, renal dialysis and managing the symptoms of pre-existing or chronic conditions that arise while abroad are all covered by the EHIC.
Your EHIC will allow you access to the same state-provided healthcare as a resident of the country you are visiting. However, many countries expect the patient to pay towards their treatment, and even with an EHIC, you might be expected to do the same. You may be able to seek reimbursement for this cost when you are back in the UK if you are not able to do so in the other country.
The EHIC is NOT an alternative to travel insurance. It will not cover any private medical healthcare or the cost of things such as mountain rescue in ski resorts, repatriation to the UK or lost or stolen property.
For these reasons and others, it is important to have both an EHIC and a valid private travel insurance policy. Some insurers now insist you hold an EHIC and many will waive the excess if you have one.
Applying for an EHIC is easy. Even if you don't have any plans to travel in the near future, it is always a good idea to get one.
Renew or apply for your free EHIC now.
Introduction

[Italy4me]

For any pensioners who have registered a E121 in Italy it seems that due to changes in European Union regulations, from May 1 2010 the United Kingdom may be responsible for the issue of your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) instead of the member state where you live.

See the following website : New EU regulations from May 1 2010

PLUS! E forms are being renamed e.g. E121 will become S1

[falcon]

#2 (permalink)
20-09-2010, 21:27
Italy4me
Super Moderator

Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Belvedere Marittimo
Posts: 869
Change of regulations May 2010
For any pensioners who have registered a E121 in Italy it seems that due to changes in European Union regulations, from May 1 2010 the United Kingdom may be responsible for the issue of your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) instead of the member state where you live.
See the following website : New EU regulations from May 1 2010
PLUS! E forms are being renamed e.g. E121 will become S1

Hi,
Picking up your previous reply, I looked up the site and here is a quote for those living in Italy.
"If you're receiving a UK state pension, or in receipt of long-term incapacity benefit, you may be entitled to state healthcare paid for by the UK. You will need to apply for an E121, which you should then present to the Italian health authorities.
However, if you move to Italy to live but not work and do not receive a UK benefit, you may be eligible for up to two-and-a-half years of state healthcare cover, paid for by the UK. In this case, you will need to apply for an E106.
For more details on how to apply for an E121 or E106, visit the 'Moving abroad' section.
How to register your E121 or E106
In both cases, you will need to contact your local ASL office. Additionally, you might be asked to provide a copy of the original E121/ E106 and a proof of identity."

Francis

[billy]

I have an EHIC health card but I also have the EHIC Plus Annual Holiday Insurance as a back up to the card. This insurance covers treatment in state hospitals but not in private hospitals. This is a much cheaper option than some of the other quotes I received for holiday insurance. For example, annual Family Holiday Insurance with EHIC Plus is ,I think, under £40. So, The EHIC Plus website may be worth a look by some of the members of the Scalea- info site to see if the Cover is adequate for them.
Billy.

[Italy4me]

That is a great piece of information, Billy!
Who did you buy the EHIC plus policy from?
Do you have a link you could post?

(We are in the USA just now but heading home to Italy tomorrow 8-)) )

[bella_ciao]

Originally Posted by Italy4me

That is a great piece of information, Billy!
Who did you buy the EHIC plus policy from?
Do you have a link you could post?

(We are in the USA just now but heading home to Italy tomorrow 8-)) )

Hi,
Yes, Billy really is a gold mine of information when it comes to these matters! I have bookmarked the website, so here's the link:

EHICPlus Travel Insurance: holiday insurance with EHIC, E111; annual travel insurance; travel insurance for over 65

I haven't had a proper look myself yet due to lack of time but it sounds like a really good option for travel insurance. Also, has anyone ever used Insureme4 at all? If you have or have any other recommendations, please let the rest of us know!
Also, if you have any further information on the above website and their travel insurance, Billy, this will be helpful, too.
Have a safe journey back to Italy, Lesley. Your posts on this website are also very helpful to the members - thanks.
Ciao,
Frances.

[billy]

Hi Lesley [and Brian],
Hope you enjoyed your trip to America. We are just back from another 6 weeks in Scalea and had a good time as usual, visiting Lake Sirino and Trecchina for the first time--both beautiful. With regard to the EHIC Plus insurance--I've had the EHIC card for several years now and, a couple of years ago when my travel insurance was due for renewal,I found the EHIC Plus insurance on the internet and have used this since. Thanks to Frances for providing the link.
Have a safe journey back to Italia,
Billy.