Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
If you're going to Europe you can get a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which
allows for free or reduced cost medical treatment within Europe, should you need it. You
can apply online:
www.ehic.org.uk
or there's an automated application service on
0300
3301350.
If you need further help you can call Overseas Healthcare Team on 0191 218 1999.
Your card is valid for three to five years and should be delivered to you in seven days. The
EHIC card only covers treatment under the state scheme in all EU countries, plus Denmark,
Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. You can also pick up application forms at
your post office.
However, the EHIC is not a replacement for a travel insurance policy. It only covers neces-
sary care and won't cover things such as repatriation to the UK in the event of a medical
emergency
Countries with no health care agreements with the UK include Canada, the USA, India,
most of the Far East, the whole of Africa and Latin America.
Wherever it happens, a serious illness, broken limb, or even an injury you might cause
someone else, can be very expensive.
Medical insurance is usually part of an all-in travel policy. Costs vary widely by company,
destination, activity and level of cover. Make sure you have generous cover for injury or
disablement, know what you're covered for and when you've got the policy read the small
print carefully. For example, does it cover transport home if you need an emergency oper-
ation that cannot be carried out safely abroad?
Some policies won't cover high-risk activities like skiing, snowboarding, bungee jumping
etc
so you'll need to get extra, specific, cover and an insurance broker can help with this.
Companies may also make a distinction between doing a hazardous sport once and spend-
ing your whole time doing them. Some insurance policies also have age limits.
If you have a medical condition that is likely to recur, you may have to declare this when
you buy the insurance, otherwise the policy won't be valid. Also, check whether the policy
covers you for the medical costs if the condition does recur, as some will not cover such
pre-existing conditions.
Already covered?
If you're going abroad on a voluntary work assignment you may find that the organisation
arranging it wants you to take a specified insurance policy as part of the total cost. You may
also find you have a clash of policies before you even start looking for the right policy.
For example, if your family has already booked you a one-year multi-travel insurance
policy to cover travel with the family at other times of the year, you may find you are
