Travel Health

EUROPEAN HEALTH INSURANCE CARD (EHIC) (for EU citizens)

The old E111 form which provided evidence of entitlement to access the public health systems in Europe and Switzerland is being replaced with a new EUROPEAN HEALTH INSURANCE CARD (EHIC).

The benefits are as described below. but it is still probably best to take out adequate travel insurance, hence avoiding the complications of claiming your refund or paying the doctor/hospital direct - and there is no provision with the card for repatriating you to the UK if the need arises.

The size of a credit card this will be easier to carry and produce as required to access health care in the EU with a similar entitlement to residents of the country concerned - and in most cases this is reduced cost or free. As the card is free, there is no good reason for travelling EU citizens not to carry one in the event of an accident or some form of medical emergency whilst in another EU state. It does not replace the need for other insurance cover - i.e it will not cover repatriation or other expenses which may be incurred, and some insurance policies may restrict their cover within the EU assuming that you have the card, and hence free or cheap access to health care - check your policy.

In France visitors must pay for treatment and then apply for a refund of part of the costs from the CPAM - Local Sickness Insurance Offices (Caisse Primaire d'Assurance-Maladie). Ensure that the doctor or dentist you consult is conventionné, that is, they work within the French health system. After treatment, obtain a signed statement of the treatment given (feuille de soins); you cannot claim a refund without it. You will be charged for the treatment you receive, as well as for any prescribed medicines, and the amount(s) should be shown on the feuille.

When getting prescribed medicines, the pharmacist will hand you back your prescription and you should attach it to the feuille in order to claim a refund. Medicine containers also carry detachable labels (vignettes), showing the name and price of the contents. Stick these in the appropriate place on the feuille, and sign and date the form at the end.

Around 70% of standard doctors' and dentists' fees are refunded, and between 35% and 65% of the cost of most, but not all, prescribed medicines.

If you are treated in an approved hospital, the CPAM will pay 75% or more of the cost direct to the hospital. You pay the balance. You must also pay a fixed daily hospital charge (forfait journalier). The 25% balance and the forfait journalier are non-refundable.

Countries covered include all the EU countries plus Iceland, Malta and Switzerland - but not Northern Cyprus. The card relates to one individual, not a family - but you can apply online - it's free and you need name, date of birth and National Insurance number. For more info see www.doh.gov.uk