How much cover with the EHIC Card?

glendamwm · #1 11.05.2011, 15:45

Hi, just wondered if anyone has had previous experience with visiting relatives having to maybe use the EHIC card? My brother and wife are coming over for a short visit and he is looking in to travel insurance, he has a couple of underlying longterm health issues (Kidney transplant over 10 yrs ago) is one, he thought that Switzerland was excluded from this card but I advised that is not the case, he is wondering if it is worth getting extra cover or just to get basic travel insurance? Hope this makes sense.

Thanks for any help

#2 11.05.2011, 15:56

http://www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/Healthc...roduction.aspx

All the information is there. Why wouldn't he get an EHIC card? It's free.

But

	Quote:
	The EHIC is NOT an alternative to travel insurance. It will not cover any private medical healthcare or the cost of things such as mountain rescue in ski resorts, repatriation to the UK or lost or stolen property.

In short he should get both.

When my niece came she needed to see a doctor. They asked that we pay the bill just now and then we can claim back from our insurance or EHIC afterwards. This will probably be quite common in Switzerland.

Deep Purple · #3 11.05.2011, 15:57

	Quote:
	Presenting the EHIC entitles you to treatment that may become necessary during your trip, but doesn't allow you to go abroad specifically to receive medical care. However, maternity care, renal dialysis and managing the symptoms of pre-existing or chronic conditions that arise while abroad are all covered by the EHIC. Your EHIC will allow you access to the same state-provided healthcare as a resident of the country you are visiting. However, many countries expect the patient to pay towards their treatment, and even with an EHIC, you might be expected to do the same. You may be able to seek reimbursement for this cost when you are back in the UK if you are not able to do so in the other country.

NHS Website

glendamwm · #4 11.05.2011, 15:59

[QUOTE=porsch1909;1192837]http://www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/Healthc...roduction.aspx

All the information is there. Why wouldn't he get an EHIC card? It's free.

QUOTE]

Thanks, no he does have the card, but its just we wondered having no experience of using it how much cover do you get with it here in Switzerland just thought maybe someone had experience of having the unfortunate task of having to use it.

smackerjack · #5 11.05.2011, 21:09

I know of 2 people who had to use their EHIC card. They were only required to pay for food in the hospital and an ambulance charge, but they claimed that from their travel insurance, all care in the hospital was covered by the EHIC card
So you need to have both................

#6 11.05.2011, 22:06

Easyjet offer short term travel insurance with the ticket, it is CHF 25.40 for 7 days for 1 adult.

Cancellation and trip curtailment up to CHF 1'964
Medical expenses up to CHF 235'670
Assistance and Repatriation costs fully covered
Personal belongings up to CHF 1'964

RaveDJ · #7 12.05.2011, 14:56

If they're coming from the UK, I would check out http://www.moneysupermarket.com/travel-insurance/

I have an annual policy which covers me globally for about £35, including repatriation etc.