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E101s
- Thread starter NooBHA
- Start date
ThePompousPaladin
New member
- Apr 7, 2013
- 1,025
Napier's Knee
New member
It's called an EHIC and pretty much means that within the EU you're entitled to the same treatment as a national citizen. So think NHS and the EU versions of it. I once had to use it for emergency treatment in Rome - treated immediately on same basis as a local.
Ernest
Stupid IDIOT
Got a JOB abroad lined up CHRIS or are you SINGING in EUROPE now ?
Hastings gull
Well-known member
- Nov 23, 2013
- 4,635
It worked well for my daughter who had a skiing accident and the German hospital just asked for this and not her ski insurance. I imagine it is quicker for them to simply ask for this, rather than face possible delays from insurance companies, desperate to avoid payment. However, I am sure that it is only meant for accidents or unforseen illness whilst travelling through or staying temporarily in EU countries, i.e on holiday. It is not meant for someone who lives and works abroad, and I would certainly advise anyone to have private insurance as well, particularly for winter sports.
father_and_son
Well-known member
Its code is E111 (rather than E101) and covers emergency medical treatment (nothing elective or for ongoing illnesses) while in an EU country. The bill is then sent to the NHS who pay so, clearly, you certainly don't get anything they wouldn't pay for at home (like prescription charges).
As someone who used to work in travel insurance rather than the NHS/Government, this is my understanding.
Thunder Bolt
Silly old bat
We have a reciprocal agreement with EU countries for medical treatment. I have twice been ill in France, whilst on holiday. I saw the local doctor, paid him 20 euros, and 15 euros for my prescription at the pharmacy.
When I got back I sent the relevant paperwork to Newcastle, and got 70% refunded (£25 odd). I didn't claim on my travel insurance because it has a £50 excess.
The card does have an expiry date but it is free to renew it. Beware of sites on the internet who say they will renew it for you, for £5.
1066familyman
Radio User
- Jan 15, 2008
- 15,185
Don't forget too that the 5 countries that only have a trade agreement with the EU, rather than being full members, accept it as well.
Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein are three of them, but I can't remember the other two without looking it up.
Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein are three of them, but I can't remember the other two without looking it up.
Since1982
Well-known member
Should work well for minor issues although Spanish hospitals have a reputation for claiming that it is not valid. It is not a replacement for proper travel insurance which remains stupidly cheap for a typical trip to a euro destination.
Why would one need additional medical insurance in the EU?
Cian
Well-known member
Repatriation costs in case of a serious accident or death is one glaring omission from the EHIC.
Good point. But getting a stiff back home shouldn't cost too much? You could even use the original ticket if you die in time.
True. But if you need to be repatriated in a coma or similar, with a Dr and nurse at your side, the cost could apparently run to thousands, maybe tens of thousands. And it does happen.
Hastings gull
Well-known member
- Nov 23, 2013
- 4,635
As I understand it, it is for accidents and unforeseen illness within the EU. IF, say, you went on a camping holiday, and during that time, decided to go on a jet ski trip; an accident from that might not be covered by the EHIC, because that is it what it is for. My daughter found that the hospital did accept it for a winter sports accident, but quite frankly we did not expect it at all. I am assuming that what the post said about no refunding of costs due to repatriation is true, so that would be a reason why private insurance is necessary.
A friend of mine had E111 and proper travel insurance. He was very unwell at a hotel BBQ. A doctor attended and called an ambulance. He was taken to hospital and had lots of tests and was admitted for the night. It turned out that this was a private hospital that his insurance and E111 did not cover. This was in Spain and he had to pay 3000 euros for his stay of one night.
Pinkie Brown
I'll look after the skirt
I used it earlier this year when I had a filling go kaput in Germany. Didn't cost me a penny. As long as you have the card plus passport you 'should' be sorted. The quality of the filling was brilliant compared to the scrap metal I've had in that problematic tooth in the past. The dentist even fixed another filling whilst I was there as he said it was cracked.
Pinkie Brown
I'll look after the skirt
The Spanish had their knuckles rapped and were told by the relevant EU department to play by the rules and accept the 101 card after a complaint by the UK government last year. The 101 is only meant to be valid for stays of no longer than three months. I would imagine in somewhere like the Costa Del Sol region, there could well be abuse by *some* resident Brits not paying into the local system, thus the reason the Spanish would have the hump.
Boroseagull
Well-known member
I'm sorry but I find this a little hard to believe. Providing you carry your EHIC card [if your friend says it was an E111 it was more than 15 years ago!] and you, or someone with you tell the doctor who will attend with an ambulance crew that you wish to be treated under EHIC rules you will be taken to a public hospital. There you will receive the same treatment as a local. There are many private hospitals in Spain but all charges are regulated by the areas Junta, in my case the Junta de Andalucia. Charges are very reasonable, i.e. the maximum a specialist may charge per consultation is 125 euros., and an overnight in a private hospital nothing approaching what your friend says!
Just remember to have your free EHIC card in your wallet at all times, and here in Malaga picture proof of who you are because unscrupulous people without cover of any kind were were abusing the system. Now they require your in date EHIC card and passport or driving licence as proof of who you state you are.
Since1982
Well-known member
Two main reasons 1. Ehic is for emergency treatment. It won't get you home and it won't cover all of your bills abroad. 2. There are plenty of medical centres,clinics and hospitals particularly in Spain who will simply refuse to accept it because of their funding / austerity issues.