health insurance EU

[dannyday5821]

im going to france amsterdamn belguim and germany this weekend what do i need health insurance wise?

i went to australia last year went to hospital after falling n hitting my head - they didnt treat me though so guess thats why they didnt ask for any docs...

my mum keeps going on about a green card but on the .gov site it says thats for car insurance...

[boxtops]

You need an EHIC card which you can apply for on-line - that gives you very basic health cover in Europe. Green cards are for cars, yes! You need a travel insurance, the post office do a good one - don't just rely on the EHIC, it won't get you home in an emergency. You might be able to buy insurance over the counter at the PO (not sure about that) but don't forget they'll be shut on Friday!

[VHG]

Well first of all you should get an EHIC (European Health Insurance Card).

These are free and will provide basic health cover in any EU country (only for BASIC health cover). However if you are going away this easter weekend then you are probably too late to get one.

You really should have thought about this a few weeks ago.

But you should also BUY some travel insurance in case you have a serious accident. You can get it from the Post Office, Travel Agent etc.

This will cover you if, for example, you broke a leg and had to be in hospital for a few weeks and had to be flown back in a wheelchair and so on.

This sort of tratement could cost you thousdands and if you didnt have cover your family would have to pay the bill before the hospital would allow you home.

You still have time to get travel insurance but you should have applied for EHIC card weeks ago.

More on EHIC card here

http://www.direct.gov...DoItOnline/DG_4018163

[Prudie]

I'd add you won't get an EHIC in time for this weekend. As boxy says you need proper travel insurance as well anyway. You can buy standard packages over the counter not just at the PO, I know Tesco do it so probably other supermarkets too.

[munchie63]

you can apply for an EHIC on-line or by phone. If you go online make sure you use the government site as the cards are free, but the first few sites listed on google will charge you (usually £10-£15). They are scammers. the card is free so never pay for one. As you're travelling very soon you should be able to get a reference number to take and the card will follow. It'll be valid for 2-3 years so pop it away safe with your passport for next time

As an EHIC only covers basic healthcare in an NHS equivalent hospital (and you could be miles from one of those) ALWAYS take out out travel insurance. This will cover delays, luggage, loss of belongings, healthcare etc.
Post Office offer on the spot cover at the counter or via their online site. Tesco, M+S etc also offer on-line cover. Always worth checking the level of cover. Post office has won industry award for 4 years running now