Details to be Discovered: The Future of the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) Program
Many UK citizens have let the burden of healthcare when leaving home into the 31 members of the European Economic Area, Switzerland, and Australia fall onto the EHIC program (EU Health Insurance Card).
No Changes Yet
At this point, no changes have been made to the program. Read what Parliament has expressed here. In 2017 it was said that the program will stay in place, but not determined what changes will be made, see this article. Although, at a Brexit Select Committee session in 2017, the Brexit Secretary, David Davis, said he thought the EHIC would “probably” disappear for UK citizens. If it were to end, travel insurance premiums would rise in line with the cost of claims. Older people, particularly those with pre-existing medical conditions, would be disproportionately affected (as reported in The Independent).
Dangers of EHIC
Did you know that it covers some procedures only, and at government hospitals?
Are you aware that it does not cover you in all European countries?
It does not cover any private healthcare or costs such as a return flight to your home country or lost/stolen property. It is NOT an alternative for travel insurance.
It does not cover your costs if you are traveling for the express purpose of obtaining medical treatment
It does not guarantee free services. As each country’s healthcare system is different services that cost nothing at home might not be free in another country.
It is not accepted in Turkey.
YES, you can still renew.
Get Registered
There is no cost to get it unless you get ripped-off going through a service. If you are British go to this application page. If you are from another participating country go to their registration page, click here to locate the registration information for your country.
Bottom Line
You need additional coverage when you travel or reside outside your home country.
Contact our subject-matter-expert for information on obtaining coverage that is right for you, start now.
Additional reading:
Losing EHIC leaves the vulnerable more vulnerable abroad: Molly Scott Cato, May 5, 2018
