hmmm do we need EHIC?

[Guest]

Hi All,

so only about 2 weeks till the off, starting to fret a touch about what to take and things still to sort.

I remembered going on a school trip ages ago to france and having to have an E111 card. after checking its now the EHIC.

with all my hunting about on these types of forums i've never seen it mentioned... are these required?

Eoghan

[Merlins dad]

Everybody who is travelling in Europe needs an EHIC. It replaced the old E111 form in 2005. Even if you've already got travel insurance, it's valuable extra protection, even if just for visiting the local GP with a query while away.

They are free form

nhs.uk/NHSEngland/Healthc...-the-ehic.aspx

[Dyer]

If you become unwell they allow you to use the French services free of charge (providing the service is free to the French people too) so I would recommend getting them

[Guest]

thanks guys for the uber quick response and the link.

there are a few sites out there charging for the service... a bit dodgy...

anyway, I've called the wife, she is currently applying for hers and the kids and i've just done mine. we should get them before we leave on the 28th! lol fingers crossed.

Eog

[Guest]

AND you must carry it with you at all times. It's no use going to a hospital and saying you've left it at the hotel. They either won't treat you or they will charge. It is only valid when on your person!

[Beaker7929]

I made the mistake of paying when we renewed, this was about 4 years ago though before Martin Lewis was around to shout about fraudulent sites taking your money, grr!

[Guest]

we got our cards in the post at the weekend. so disaster averted.

For info: theres a bit in the FAQ about not having the card with you:

Q Am I covered abroad even if i don't have my card with me?

A Yes. You are covered for travel from the date of application (if you made your application via our telephone application line or online).

If you travel and you do not have your card with you, and treatment becomes medically necessary during your visit, you may be issued with a Provisional Replacement Certificate (PRC) to prove your entitlement to the EHIC. This will be sent directly to the place of treatment.

To apply, call the Overseas Healthcare Team on 00 44 191 218 1999 (Monday to Friday, 8am–5pm). It's a good idea to save this number in your phone.

To get a PRC, you will need to provide your name, address, date of birth and National Insurance or NHS number (CHI number in Scotland or Health and Care Number in Northern Ireland).

[Guest]

we got ours within days of applying i was shocked at the speed ...

[Jen78]

Glad you started this thread...reminded me I need to apply for one for my baby, the rest of us already have them but I had forgotten about her!

[dcems]

brill, thanks for this info