European Health Insurance
Story posted: Jun 22, 2006, 12:58Email this article
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The European Health Insurance Card
The European Health Insurance Card
The EHIC is free, valid for three to five years and covers any medical treatment that becomes necessary during your trip, because of either illness or an accident. More information can be found on the Department of Health website.
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.
People who are ordinarily resident in the UK are entitled to a UK-issued EHIC. It is not valid for people who are going to live abroad. 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.
People who do not have British, other EU, EEA or Swiss nationality legally residing in the UK are entitled to a UK-issued EHIC but can only apply by post. You will need to send a photocopy of your proof of entitlement to reside in the UK (i.e. the visa stamp from your passport or your Home Office letter) as well as your completed application form.
The EHIC is issued by the Prescription Pricing Authority (PPA) and is free of charge.
Applying online
The quickest and easiest way to apply for an EHIC is online. Your card will be delivered within seven days.
Applying by phone
To apply by phone, call 0845 606 2030 and have the information listed above ready. When your application is completed, your card will be delivered within 10 days.
Applying by post
To apply by post, pick up the EHIC form and pre-addressed envelope from the Post Office. Your card will be delivered within 21 days.
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This news release posted by Spex Internet Ltd