European Health Insurance Card
News Item (2010)
Reminder that the new European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) will not cover all medical eventualities - older travellers urged to ensure they also hold the appropriate travel insurance when visiting the EEA countries and Switzerland.
· Over 55s travel to Europe increases by 30% in the last five years.
AS the old E111 is replaced by the new, credit card-sized European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), Age Concern Insurance Services (ACIS) warns travellers intending to visit EEA member countries and Switzerland that whilst they should still carry this card, they will still need to take out travel cover.
The new cards are not a substitute for proper travel insurance as they will not cover all costs – and in particular will not insure against holiday cancellation prior to departure which typically accounts for around 30 per cent of all travel claims, says ACIS, and so it is vitally important to have peace of mind in this key area.
“Older people often have pre-existing medical conditions, and would be vulnerable if they chose to travel without making adequate insurance arrangements,” said
David Hoyle, ACIS General Manager.
“It is vital to stress that travelling with an E111 form will not provide a sufficient level of cover in the event of an emergency, it does not cover any follow up medical treatment or repatriation, nor will it provide cover for personal liability, lost or stolen possessions or, most importantly, if you have to cancel or curtail your trip”, he added.
The EHIC application form is available from all post offices, or to speed up the process, you can apply on-line at the Department of Health’s web-site www.dh.gov.uk or call them on 0845 606 2030. The new card is valid in 28 European countries and will entitle the cardholder to state-provided medical treatment when required, whilst visiting that country.
ACIS offers free help and advice to its policyholders through its ‘pre-travel advice line’ offering guidance on visas, passports, vaccinations and other holiday concerns. The policy operates in conjunction with a local call rate medical screening line for customers with pre-existing medical conditions travelling outside the UK which allows them to confirm their cover before taking out insurance.
Profits generated by Age Concern Insurance Services go directly to the Age Concern charity raising additional funds for other invaluable support services such as day centres, home visits and transport.
Please contact 0191 374 0931 for further information.
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