The idea behind EHIC and its predecessor, the E111 form, is fairly simple. Countries which are part of the European Economic Area (EEA) all get together and agree to treat each other’s citizens under the state healthcare system when they are in the country temporarily. Many of us are aware of the benefits of the EHIC scheme, and have used it in the past to see an A&E doctor after a fall, or be admitted to a foreign hospital for a more serious condition. EHIC brings many benefits, but many travellers fall into the trap of thinking that having an EHIC will get you exactly the same levels of cover and service as you do from the NHS at home. There are however some important exceptions which everyone should be aware of.

Main Exceptions to EHIC

• Private Healthcare – in many parts of Europe the private healthcare sector is much larger than it is in the UK. There’s often not a clear distinction, with private wards in state hospitals, or private and state GPs working from the same clinic. EHIC only ever covers treatment under the state system, so it is very important to make sure that any medical professional knows you are claiming under the EHIC scheme, not through private insurance.
• Planned Surgery – in the same way you can’t use the NHS for cosmetic surgery in most cases, you can’t use your EHIC card at a hospital or clinic abroad for cosmetic surgery, or for any other type of surgery when that is the only reason you’ve left the UK. Childbirth is covered by EHIC if you unexpectedly go into labour, not if you have gone to a specific country just to take advantage of their maternity services
• Dental treatment – provision varies from country to country, but in most cases dental care is not covered. Under EHIC, you might be able to have an extraction if you are in severe pain, but other types of dental work will often have to be paid for in full. Always establish costs upfront before agreeing to go ahead with any work.
• Ambulance – many countries do not provide ambulances as part of the state healthcare system, and others will only pay for an ambulance if called by a doctor. Air ambulances, mountain rescue and being winched off a mountain by helicopter could cost you substantial sums of money so don’t rely on your EHIC to pick up the tab.
• Repatriation – EHIC only covers your treatment in the country where you fall ill. If you haven’t taken out additional travel insurance, you may find yourself stuck for many months in a foreign hospital until you are well enough to return home. Transport home from, for example, Spain in a private plane with a doctor and nurse on board with you could easily cost £10,000. Repatriation is usually covered as standard by a travel insurance policy.
• Additional Costs – falling ill can result in additional costs for you or your family, such as taxi fares to and from hospital to see you, additional accommodation costs if they have to stay for as long as planned and costs of rearranging flights home when you’re well enough to travel.