Have a safe trip!
Travelling to Europe for a holiday or city break? With the phasing out of the old E111 form and the introduction of the new European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) from January 2006, it’s never been more essential to ‘know before you go’ and make sure you protect your health and your wallet with the right cover while you’re away – and that means getting clued up on Direct Line’s flexible range of Travel Insurance too…
Why can’t I just use my old E111?
On December 31st 2005 the E111 will actually cease to be valid. From 1 January 2006 you will need a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to provide this cover instead. Essentially the EHIC does the same thing as the E111, however, granting UK nationals and some UK residents to free medical care in the European Economic Area (EEA), which includes the European Union (EU) plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland, for the duration of the card holder’s trip.
So why do I need Direct Line Travel Insurance too?
It’s one of the easiest mistakes to make but the EHIC and the E111 will not effectively cover all your medical expenses if you are unlucky while away. Yes, it does entitle holders to free healthcare. Unfortunately only state-provided emergency treatment is covered, and you will receive treatment on the same terms as nationals of the country you are visiting.
The problem is that when accidents happen, it’s often a case of getting to the nearest healthcare unit, as fast as you can – and if that place is private you will have to pay up. And some of the 43% of UK holidaymakers who travel to Europe on low-budget mini breaks have found out the hard way. The EHIC won’t cover you if getting medical care is the main reason for your trip. And in serious cases, and where repatriation is also required, the final bill has been known to be in excess of £20K!
Compare that with Direct Line Travel Insurance – we have great value prices for both annual and single trip European policies that cover medical expenses abroad to £5 million plus full repatriation costs, 24-hour Medical Emergency Assistance, optional sports and activities cover with extra discounts available for families. It’s worth having peace of mind while you’re away.
Where do I go from here?
If you got an E111 this year and ticked the relevant box, your EHIC should arrive automatically in time for the New Year. For cards that haven’t arrived by mid December call the EHIC Enquiries Line on 0845 605 0707.
The quickest way to get a new EHIC is to apply online at www.ehic.org.uk with delivery of your card within seven days; calling the EHIC Applications line on 0845 606 2030 takes up to 10 days; while filling in a pack at the post office and writing off can take 21 days.
5 ways to know before you go…
See more details of Direct Line Travel Insurance including Single Trip, Annual Cover and Discoverer policies. Buy online today and receive an online discount.
Direct Line Insurance plc is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Registered office: Direct Line House, 3 Edridge Road, Croydon, Surrey, CR9 1AG. Registered no. 1810801.
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