The last thing anyone wants while they're abroad, either for business or a holiday, is to become sick or get injured. As well as being a major inconvenience it can also be expensive if you are not prepared for the possibility of needing medical treatment. Should you then need medical help the costs associated will be another thing causing a headache.
The European Health Insurance Card provides you with cover in any country in the European Economic Area to receive public health care should you become ill or need emergency treatment. Some countries may still need you to contribute to the cost of any treatment, although on return to the UK you may be liable for reimbursement. Make sure to apply for your card online with plenty of time to spare before your trip abroad - it lasts for five years so there's no harm in applying early.
If you are travelling somewhere other than a country in the European Economic Area you should check online to see if that country has a reciprocal healthcare agreement with the UK. The list of countries seems quite random - Moldova, Russia and Australia have agreements with the UK while Canada doesn't. If you are planning on continuing regular treatment abroad - such as renal dialysis for example - you should speak to your GP to help you make these arrangements before your arrival.
Some countries however will not be able to offer reduced or free medical treatment in which case the need for full travel insurance becomes even greater. While you will still have to pay for any treatment at the time of receiving it, you should later be able to claim back the expenses. Wherever you are, tourist information points will be able to provide you with details of the nearest doctor, hospital or dentist. Hotels too will be familiar with pointing those from abroad to appropriate medical help.
Finally, ensure that you notify your GP about any medical treatment you undergo once you have returned home. This may be necessary to claim back money from insurance providers, but it will also ensure that your local doctor has a full record of your medical history, which may prove important in the future.
The European Health Insurance Card provides you with cover in any country in the European Economic Area to receive public health care should you become ill or need emergency treatment. Some countries may still need you to contribute to the cost of any treatment, although on return to the UK you may be liable for reimbursement. Make sure to apply for your card online with plenty of time to spare before your trip abroad - it lasts for five years so there's no harm in applying early.
If you are travelling somewhere other than a country in the European Economic Area you should check online to see if that country has a reciprocal healthcare agreement with the UK. The list of countries seems quite random - Moldova, Russia and Australia have agreements with the UK while Canada doesn't. If you are planning on continuing regular treatment abroad - such as renal dialysis for example - you should speak to your GP to help you make these arrangements before your arrival.
Some countries however will not be able to offer reduced or free medical treatment in which case the need for full travel insurance becomes even greater. While you will still have to pay for any treatment at the time of receiving it, you should later be able to claim back the expenses. Wherever you are, tourist information points will be able to provide you with details of the nearest doctor, hospital or dentist. Hotels too will be familiar with pointing those from abroad to appropriate medical help.
Finally, ensure that you notify your GP about any medical treatment you undergo once you have returned home. This may be necessary to claim back money from insurance providers, but it will also ensure that your local doctor has a full record of your medical history, which may prove important in the future.
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