The European Health Card: Your Questions Answered

LONDON, May 9, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

If you're going abroad, it pays to get an EHIC. It's free, and gives you access to medical treatment in European countries

Planning a trip abroad? Pack a European Health Card (EHIC) with your sunblock and shorts. Combined with a good Travel Insurance policy, it'll give you peace of mind that you can get emergency medical treatment while you're away.

How do I apply for an EHIC?

You can apply for it free of charge at http://www.ehic.org.uk. Unofficial websites will charge you to apply, but there really is no need to pay as the process is easy.

Where is it valid?

The EHIC is valid throughout Europe, and in all European Economic Area (EEA) countries, which includes Norway, Iceland, Switzerland and Liechtenstein.

What does the EHIC cover?

An EHIC offers medical treatment under a reciprocal agreement with other EEA countries, which means you should be able to get the same treatment as someone who lives in the country you're visiting.

What about pre-existing medical conditions?

Treatment of pre-existing medical conditions is included, as is oxygen and kidney dialysis - but these need to be arranged before you go on holiday. Ask your GP or hospital for advice.

I'm pregnant. Am I covered?

As long as you're not going abroad to give birth, routine maternity care is covered. And if you do go into labour unexpectedly, the EHIC will cover the cost of any medical treatment for mother and baby.

So, will I have to pay for treatment?

The rules do vary from country to country, and in some places you may have to pay a contribution or pay for treatment and then claim it back. You can claim the difference back from your travel policy and as you have used your EHIC we won't charge you an excess.

What doesn't it cover?

Private medical healthcare, such as mountain rescue in ski resorts

The cost of being flown back to the UK if you fall ill or have an accident

Medical treatment outside Europe - e.g. in America, Australia and the Far East

Can I apply on behalf of other people?

Yes. You can apply for a partner and your children if they're in full-time education under the age of 19. Every family member will need a separate card.

Will I still need Travel Insurance?

The EHIC is not an alternative to Travel Insurance. You'll still need to take that out as soon as you've booked your trip. John Lewis Travel Insurance offers up to £10 million emergency medical cover and you can also choose winter sports cover for a range of activities.

About John Lewis Insurance

John Lewis Travel Insurance offers good value cover and high quality customer service. Some of the benefits on offer:

• Cover for trip cancellation and lost luggage - £6,000 cancellation cover per person and £2,500 for lost luggage.
  
• Independent Traveller Cover - provides additional cover if you book individual elements of your trip separately and for disruption caused by a volcano.
  
• Don't worry if you get injured or fall ill - receive up to £10 million emergency medical cover.
  
• Winter sports cover - choose to cover a number of sports and activities from our range of optional extras.
  
• Protection against loss or theft of your passports and personal money - covered as standard.
  

For more information and to get a quote please visit - http://www.johnlewis-insurance.com/travel.

John Lewis Insurance is a trading name of John Lewis plc. John Lewis plc is an appointed representative of AXA Insurance UK plc which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.

Terms, conditions, limitations, exclusions and eligibility criteria apply. A full copy of the policy wording and the insurance complaints procedure are available on request.

Lauren Baldwin
Email: customerservice@johnlewis-insurance.com
Tel: +44(0)207-592-6677