What Is a European Health Insurance Card?
EHIC is a scheme designed to enable individuals, who are covered by a statutory social security policy of the European Economic Area (EEA) countries and Switzerland, to receive medical treatments in another member state at a reduced cost or for free. This means that if a person was involved in an accident or got ill during his vacation in another European nation, he can continue his stay in the country and receive proper medical care without having to return home.
How to Apply?
If you are interested in getting hold of one, you can easily do so through an online application via the official website of the Department of Health. After completely filing out a form with your full name, date of birth, and National Insurance (NHS) number, your card will then arrive within seven days. This is valid for five years.
How to Use?
Upon admission in the hospital, you have to present your EHIC first. This is to ensure that the institution that you are in is under the provision of the state, and therefore covers your medical bills. Whenever you travel, it is also a must that you carry your insurance policy with you. Furthermore, you may even opt to have a reimbursement if ever there would be any additional expenses that you would be spending on.
What is Covered?
It gives you access to reduced-cost or free medical treatment from state healthcare providers. Also, it covers maternity care and renal dialysis; however, there are conditions that the card does not cover. For instance, it could not be used as private travel insurance, and it is also not accepted in other regions that are not specified in the policy.
The EHIC card is a beneficial tool for every UK citizen. It helps ensure that one will be given proper medical attention even he is in a foreign land. Thus, if you are a European citizen and would love to explore the rest of the content, see to it that you apply for one first before even booking your tickets.