No health insurance? You may not make it past airport arrivals

[mhm]

Many travellers don't realise that they could be turned away from the country they are visiting if they haven't got the correct insurance.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/expathealth/10057157/No-health-insurance-You-may-not-make-it-past-airport-arrivals.html

I  think this should apply to all coming to the UK

[Anmer]

That article is about people moving to certain destinations.  It's not about business or leisure trips.

The reporter should have done some research before penning the headline.

[viking9]

You are quite right, Mike. For British citizens or subjects visiting any EU country all that is needed for free medical care is the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) available free on line.

[Bethsalem]

I have a Spanish E111, because I now no longer qualify for NHS treatment when I work in Gib 

[moonie31]

You are quite right, Mike. For British citizens or subjects visiting any EU country all that is needed for free medical care is the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) available free on line.

Didnt think it was free treatment??? thought you paid the same rate as a local pays???

Andy

[viking9]

The NHS EHIC website says free or reduced fees but I've never known anyone to pay in the listed countries which include Switzerland.

[Bethsalem]

In Catalunya I needed steroids and painkillers for an injury. The appointment at the doctor was free and I paid the same as the locals for the medicine at the chemist. So it was just the same experience as in the UK. But you do absolutely need a valid E111 card to get this parity of service.

I should have said that this was before I was registered as resident on the Spanish system. Now I am resident and have a CatSalut health plan. It's exactly the same experience. Visit to the doctor is free, and then I pay the same as the locals for medicine.

[viking9]

Sorry to nitpick but don't look for an E111 card - they were replaced in 2006 by the EHIC I mentioned above.

[acarslogger]

If you apply make sure you use the official website. The EHIC is FREE for UK residents see http://www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/Healthcareabroad/EHIC/Pages/about-the-ehic.aspx where it says
"You can apply for a free EHIC online. The EHIC is entirely free of charge. However, other unofficial websites may charge you if you apply through them."

Stuart

[Bethsalem]

Sorry to nitpick but don't look for an E111 card - they were replaced in 2006 by the EHIC I mentioned above.

Thanks for that. Yes, the EHIC I card. That reminds me, I need to go to the doctor for medication for my memory lapses