Medical Insurance Overseas

What does my EHIC entitle me to?

The NHS website contains information on what happens in each country, so check your rights before you use it. Be aware that the card does not work in the Channel Islands, and that not all hospitals and doctors in other countries will accept it – you will need to find one that does. EHIC works differently in different EU countries – here are some of the most popular

If you are admitted to hospital, make sure you present your EHIC on admission. This will save you from paying any refundable costs up front and ensure you only pay the patient contribution. Generally, you will only have to pay a 20pc payment towards your treatment; sometimes it will be free. In-patients will have to pay a daily hospital charge of €16.

If you are admitted to hospital and receive any major medical treatment, you will be charged a flat-rate contribution of €18. These charges are non-refundable in France but you may be able to seek reimbursement when you are back in the UK. You can get the forms for refunds by calling the NHS Overseas Healthcare Team on 0191 218 1999 (Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm). They also have an investigations team to deal with cases where cards have not been accepted.

Before you consult a doctor or hospital ensure that they accept your EHIC. Some hospitals and health centres offer both private and state-provided health care – you must to inform them which services you require. Any costs incurred for private health care are non-refundable and not covered by your EHIC, but may be covered by travel insurance.

Dental treatment is generally not available under the state system and the costs are not refundable. Medicines prescribed by health service practitioners can be obtained from any pharmacy (farmacia). You will be charged up to 40pc of the cost unless you are a UK or EEA pensioner.

If you require an ambulance, ask the hospital to confirm that it offers state-provided health care. If you are asked to pay up front, you are not being treated under the Spanish health service and your EHIC will not be accepted.

You should try to consult an IKA-ETAM doctor or dentist in order to receive treatment for free or at a reduced cost. However, ensure you present your EHIC on the day.

You may also consult a private doctor or dentist but you will have to present your EHIC and pay all charges up front. You can then claim back the charges later from the Greek authorities. Remember to keep all your receipts. If you have been referred to a public hospital or clinic by an IKA-ETAM doctor, you must ask for a 'ticket', which is your proof of entitlement to health care within the scheme.

International Health Insurance Keeps Travelers Safe Across the ...

The need for affordable health care is important to travelers around the world, but it is not something everyone thinks about before departing. Leaving on an international trip without acquiring a supplemental health care plan often proves to be an expensive oversight. For that reason, you should consider an international health insurance policy.

As you travel abroad, you will find that the coverage you have in your home country doesn’t automatically apply to other nations. International travel health insurance was created to close those gaps.

A worldwide health insurance policy will absorb the high costs of medical care, which may range anywhere from a few hundred dollars for a simple visit to thousands for complex procedures. Those are expenses you certainly didn’t budget for when planning your vacation.

You will be pleased to find your overseas health insurance accepted around the world. So whether you are traveling for business or enjoying a leisurely trip, whether you are visiting Europe, Asia, South America, or somewhere else altogether, you know you are protected.

The excitement of planning an international vacation or business trip can be so overwhelming that you don’t even realize the inherent dangers of travel. What you will do if an accident happens may not be on your mind, but it should be. International health insurance will take that worry off your mind.

For other travelers, they realize that accidents and illness can occur, but they misjudge how big of a problem that could be. They don’t understand that without international travel health insurance , they will be stuck paying full price for medical care, which will quickly reach hundreds or thousands of dollars in fees.

You may be surprised at just how economical worldwide health insurance is. Compare the cost to what you would pay to simply visit a doctor without insurance and the savings will become quite clear. Plus, you can research and order the perfect policy for your needs in less than a half hour online.

Overseas health insurance is an essential investment for anyone traveling internationally. It provides you easy access to high quality care at an affordable rate, protecting both your health and your wallet.

Buying overseas health insurance should be an automatic step in preparing for your next international journey, just as securing your passport and travel documentation. It offers as much protection for your finances as it does your health.

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