EHIC card - do I need one

[salmon70]

Morning folks

Can someone please confirm whether we will need an EHIC card if travelling to Europe? We’ve not been to Europe for around 10 years so am not sure. We have worldwide travel insurance. Also, would it be received in card format or can it be stored electronically on your phone? Also, how long do they usually take to receive.

Thank you

[Edie ray]

Originally Posted by salmon70

Morning folks

Can someone please confirm whether we will need an EHIC card if travelling to Europe? We’ve not been to Europe for around 10 years so am not sure. We have worldwide travel insurance. Also, would it be received in card format or can it be stored electronically on your phone? Also, how long do they usually take to receive.

Thank you

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My son is off to Italy and his EHIC was out of date so just sent off for renewal and it took about 5 days, it’s a card

Am just covering all bases, he will also have travel insurance

[salmon70]

Thanks Edie ours ran out years ago and we’re due to go to DLP first thing on Monday morning. I’m going to call them when they open this morning see if we can get them quicker. Only booked this trip last minute too oh dear 😒

[Rac20]

My husband applied for his before we went to Gran Canaria and it didn’t arrive in time. However, on its website it does give information as to what to do if you don’t have your card in time and you need medical assistance. I think you need to know your N.I number as one of the things.

[Beth_Disney]

I think that you should have BOTH travel insurance and an EHIC for European travel - the reasoning being that the travel insurance policy will only want to pay for treatment that is not covered by the EHIC.

Here's the wording from my policy -
European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) (Residents of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland only) If you are travelling to countries in the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland we strongly advise that you take an EHIC with you...This will allow you to benefit from the reciprocal health arrangements which exist with these countries. You should take reasonable steps to use these arrangements where possible.

[Elmhurst 5]

BETH - absolutely agree EHIC and good Travel Insurance for all European travel.

[Blue nose]

Mine took just over a week to receive the card so probably best worth applying now so hopefully processed before you go. They're only valid until the end of the year.

[meboo]

Just apply - don’t worry about receiving the card. I know from sorry experience that you can also apply retrospectively if something goes wrong ! If you needed treatment they would give you a number over the phone

[mickeyspal]

Ordered mine last week and it came today

[Moorlandman]

Originally Posted by patjeff63

BETH - absolutely agree EHIC and good Travel Insurance for all European travel.

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Even more so next year after Brexit!