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When you're away from home, any accident or health problem can
seem that much more frightening and serious - simply because
it's often not clear as to how you should go about getting
emergency treatment. This guide will show you the basics of how
to be prepared and where to get further information.
Before you go
abroad, the first place to go is your local post office. Ask for
the free booklet Health Advice for Travellers (T7) published by
the Department of Health. Alternatively, you can download this
information from the Department’s website at
www.dh.gov.uk. This leaflet
gives information about how to get medical treatment abroad, how
to stay healthy while you’re away, and how to get reduced-cost
medical treatment in Europe.
Holidays in Europe
If you are planning a holiday in Europe, you need to apply for
the new European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) which replaced
form E111 in January 2006 and is free of charge.
Visit
www.dh.gov.uk
for full details |
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The EHIC is
normally valid for three to five years and covers medical
treatment that might become necessary during a trip to a
European Economic Area (EEA) country or Switzerland if you or
someone in your family falls ill or has an accident. The card
only gives access to state-provided medical treatment, so might
not cover all the things you'd expect to get free of charge from
the NHS. You might well have to make a contribution to the cost
of your care so it is advisable to take out additional medical
insurance before you travel.
Travelling
outside Europe
Lots of countries (including most of Europe) have reciprocal
arrangements with the UK for emergency medical cover. However,
many other countries don't, including some of the most popular
destinations such as the USA, Canada and India. So it's vital to
check what level of cover you are entitled to before you go
abroad. Medical insurance is obviously essential where no basic
cover exists, but even if it does, you will still need a certain
level of insurance cover.
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