European Health Card.

[sandyRoe]

Is it worthwhile bothering to apply for one?

[Tilly2]

If you're going to Europe in the next couple of years, yes.

[fiction-factory]

They are free and will be needed for at least 27 months so why not? And as we may negotiate terms which are fairly similar to existing ones it may turn out to be usable for longer

[dannyk13]

Check with www.dh.gov.uk/travellers or 020 7210 4850

[fiction-factory]

https://www.gov.uk/european-health-insurance-card

[CrapAtCryptics]

i always take out good quality travel insurance anyway so the level of cover the EHC offers is quite minimal.

[sandyRoe]

Thank you all. Can do no harm to get one.

[Buenchico]

The EHIC is valid throughout the EEA, not just the EU. If the UK remains in the EEA free-trade area, the EHIC entitlement will automatically continue anyway.

[gness]

And don't pay for it, Sandy......I know a couple of folk who did by mistake ......x

[sandyRoe]

I've one to renew.
Come September I plan to take a very long walk and might need free treatment if I develop blisters.

[Togo]

You are not joining the migrants are you sandy? Traipsing all over Europe in search of a better life.

[sandyRoe]

In a sense, Togo. I'm walking from France across northern Spain in search of a better spiritual life.

[Togo]

Well sandy that is quite a brilliant undertaking. You know what I envy you, but don't begrudge you. When do you undertake this trek sandy, and will you be keeping in touch with us? By the way your avatar is a little wan, you aren't intending to do it in invisibility mode are you?

[Svejk]

Are you reliving your days in the International Brigade, sandy? (don't think they had health insurance)

[gness]

Sandy......that's wonderful.....GX

[mikey4444]

We are unlikely to be able to leave the EU for a while yet, so go on and apply Sandy !

[Mamyalynne]

What a wonderful undertaking, it will do you a power of good Sandy.x

[sandyRoe]

I'll go in early September when it's a bit cooler and not so crowded. I believe there aren't many internet cafes along the camino anymore, everybody has a phone. So I'll bring my Hudl and where I find wi-fi I'll post reports.
It's not really a search for an improved spiritual life. When I had a role as a carer it was my dream to do it. A long walk to freedom, I suppose.
Svejk, there was a lad at school with me whose uncle had been a volunteer there. He's mentioned in this song.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wRDq29CWM54

[Tilly2]

Are you going to Santiago de Compostela, Sandy?

[sandyRoe]

Yes. Start in France in a village called St Jean pied de port. To Santiago and then on to the end of the world, Finisterre.

[Tilly2]

I hope you enjoy every minute.