European Health Insurance Card

Hi everyone! It's been a while since I've posted, my husband and I are finally going on our honeymoon in August and I've been speaking to my colleagues in work about what would happen if either of us (God forbid) needed any medical attention while we were away and they have all mentioned the European Health Insurance card. My husband filled out the application online but it didn't ask anything about my residency status (Spousal Visa) will I qualify? Any advice would be much appreciated!

I got an EHIC with DH (I was a USC, DH a UKC) a few years ago and there was no problem getting the card as a non-UKC.

The only thing to watch out for is that the UKC is listed first on the application (it asks their citizenship, or at least used to) and you (a non-UKC) are listed as one of the others on the app. You'll still get your own card and everything.

I don't remember the details as it's been a few years, but basically, if you're eligible for the NHS, you're eligible for the EHIC.

I can't remember how long it took to get the cards, but if you're travelling in August, I'd apply asap. The application is simple (especially after visa applications) but you do need to wait for the cards to arrive.

We've only had to use our EHICs once and it couldn't have be easier. They photocopied the card and charged us the normal price that residents of that country would pay. That was it. It was almost too easy. We were sure to get a receipt just in case we needed it or our home doctor wanted to know what was done.

If you do need to use your EHIC, be sure you take the card with you to your appointment and go to a provider who's the equivalent of an NHS doctor (not private) and remember the EHIC doesn't replace general travel insurance.

Have a great honeymoon! Where are you going?

Thank you so much TravelingFrog!! He's filled it all out and it said we would hopefully get it in ten days. (Let's hope its faster than my visa took lol)

We're going to Lanzarote, I've never been and I'm excited!

Thank you so much TravelingFrog!! He's filled it all out and it said we would hopefully get it in ten days. (Let's hope its faster than my visa took lol)

We're going to Lanzarote, I've never been and I'm excited!

Glad you got it to work. I remember it was a bit confusing when I did it, but straightforward once the UKC is put first on the application.

Have fun in the Canary Islands! 

A civilised  way of doing things.

Brexit will probably mess it up.

A civilised way of doing things.

Brexit will probably mess it everything up.

I fixed your post for you, SoS. 

I applied and got one in about two weeks, just recently, if that helps anyone.

I fixed your post for you, SoS. 

Question: What's everybody doing next year?
Answer: Going over a cliff.
Question: Well who is driving?
Answer: Nobody.

You should get travel insurance and check the fine print to ensure that it covers all the activities you are planning.  The EHIC card is a good backup but it's not going to help much in most situations.

The good news is that you'll be able to use your mobile phone in Europe without being charged extortionate roaming charges.  At least for the time being, thank you Brexit voters!

The EHIC card is a good backup but it's not going to help much in most situations.

Why do you say that? Shouldn't it cover you for any emergencies as if you were a resident of the country you are in?

When I used to live in Germany, my Italian (then) girlfriend was visiting and had a relapse with her herniated disc... she went to the hospital A&E initially and was then treated by an orthopedic doctor several days later, all no questions asked.

Why do you say that? Shouldn't it cover you for any emergencies as if you were a resident of the country you are in?

When I used to live in Germany, my Italian (then) girlfriend was visiting and had a relapse with her herniated disc... she went to the hospital A&E initially and was then treated by an orthopedic doctor several days later, all no questions asked.

That's correct.  But not all European countries are free at the point of care.  A visit could still cost a few hundred euros.

It won't get you home if you need repatriation for a start .

Still it's a good thing to have, and sometimes you can discounts on travel insurance because you have it. 

We have a Natwest account that we pay something like £18 a month and it gives us UK Green Flag breakdown cover for both cars, worldwide travel insurance, coverage for items you take out of the house, cash back on our utility bills. The cash back part covers the cost of the bank account.