The Importance of European Health Insurance Cards

Planning to travel to the European countries? If you are then do not forget to get your European Health Insurance Card right before travelling. This card gives the holder the right to healthcare that is necessary during temporary visits to any county located in the European Economic Area.

To apply for the European health insurance card there are certain eligibility criteria that are required to be fulfilled. People residing in the UK whose age is above 16 years are can apply for the EHIC card without any restriction. The non-UK nationals residing in the United Kingdom can as well apply for EHIC (European Health Insurance Card), but there are certain restrictions that depend on the nationality of the applicant.

The European health insurance card offers a wide range of covers to its holders. If the holder suddenly faces any accident or falls ill, he or she will receive the required medical healthcare provided by the state either for free of cost or at reduced cost. It is necessary that you carry your European health insurance card all the time to prove that you have full right to avail the various benefits of healthcare.

There are certain things for which the European health insurance card does not provide cover. This card does not cover private treatment and complete medical costs. You will have to make partial payment to the cost. However, in addition to that you can access to other private travel insurance as well for maximized cover. The European Health Insurance Card will provide you cover for treatment such as chronic diseases, allergies or existing illnesses as well. For the pregnant card holders, it covers scheduled maternity care. Since the card does not provide complete cover, it is advisable that you apply for other travel insurances as well so that you can be assured of coverage for all sorts of eventualities.

The best and fast way to apply for this card is to apply through online. In addition to this, you can as well apply for this card by post or by phone. The delivery time for the card will depend on whether you apply for it online or by post. Make sure that before you travel you have enough time at hand for the delivery of the card.

Once you have applied for the EHIC it is valid for maximum five years. Right after the EHIC expires, the individual card holder can apply for renewal by filling in an online form or by post or by phone. The countries where this card is considered as valid are the European Union countries, Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein.

If in case you misplace the EHIC or it is stolen, you must immediately apply for a duplicate copy of the card. For replacement you can call at EHIC Enquiries Line or inform by post. If you were abroad while your EHIC was stolen or lost you will have to wait till you get back and then apply for the duplicate card. If in case you are in need of medical treatment while you are away, you will have to apply for the Provisional Replacement Certificate of this card at the Department for Work and Pensions. Someone else on your behalf can apply for the certificate if required.

For added information regarding European Health Insurance Card, you can visit the official website of the EHIC or the Department of Health.