You may think you don’t need travel insurance. Indeed ABTA have recently reported that many people travelling abroad believe it isn’t necessary as they are covered under the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). The EHIC card will cover basic state health care, but it’s important to remember that there are lots of other things that can go wrong when travelling abroad, including baggage loss, theft and delays, plus the EHIC is only valid for medically necessary treatment within the EU and the EEA (Lichtenstein, Iceland, Norway & Switzerland). If you are travelling to countries outside of Europe including US, Canada, Thailand and Turkey, then travel insurance covering you for medical expenses and repatriation is a must.
What does the EHIC cover me for? The European Health Insurance card offers you to the same state-provided medical treatment as that of the country you are visiting, but that may not be of the same standard as the UK. You may be required to pay for treatment upfront and claim it back at a later date. If a national of the country you are visiting pays for prescriptions, then you will too.
What does the EHIC not cover? Rescue services in the event of an accident at a ski resort or climbing holiday is not covered. Additional accommodation or travel costs and repatriation is not covered. Compensation for lost accommodation and lost or stolen property is also not covered.
Check this NHS List of what is available in each country.
However it is still important to have an EHIC and many insurers will now insist you hold one to be covered under your travel insurance policy, this varies from insurer to insurer so check with your insurance company. EHIC cards are free, you should not be charged. Follow the link to apply for the European Health Insurance Card
Many travellers believe that the travel insurance offered by their credit card company has adequate cover. Check the specifics of your policy, especially if you are taking part in winter sports or other dangerous activities, as the levels of cover may not be enough. Read the small print as you may find that you are only have accidental cover, which is no substitute for the proper travel cover you would get with a comprehensive travel insurance policy.
According to ABTA 50% of all British travellers do not check that they are covered before an adventurous holiday experience and 82% of young Brits admit taking part in more adventurous behaviour when on holiday. If you have an emergency while you are abroad and need to be returned to the UK it could cost you thousands of pounds. For more information check the FCO website.
You can purchase travel insurance by following the link on our website with ABTASure
For more information call us on 01932 866565
