You must ensure that you each have a European Health Insurance Card as a basic before any trip abroad and also beware that some Travel Insurance company’s will class their policy as being void if you do not have this basic cover.

E111 and the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) The European Health Insurance Card is taking over from the E111 from January 1st 2006. There will now be a standardised card to cover each country. The card is used to provide free or reduced-cost medical treatment in the event off illness whilst in the European Union. It can also cover treatment for certain pre-existing illnesses, such as diabetes. Maternity care is also covered and kidney dialysis and oxygen therapy can be covered by prior arrangement.

The cards are very easy to use. If you are taken ill in the EU and need to have medical treatment, you just show the card to the local health officials. Then, in almost every case, you will be treated for free as you are on the National Health Service. You must be aware, though, that you would not be covered for treatment at a private health centre.

This can cause a problem as at some resorts you are collected by private ambulance and taken to a private clinic. This is why it is advisable to take out a Travel Insurance Policy before you travel. Your travel insurance would then cover the cost incurred. Also, The European Health Card will not cover the cost of repatriation if you need to be flown back to the UK because of an accident or illness.

The EHIC is valid in: Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland.

The quickest and easiest way to apply for the EHIC is online at http://www.ehic.org.uk and your card will be with you within seven days. Or by calling 0845 606 2030 By post, using the form available at your local Post Office The EHIC is issued free of charge.

Many people deeply regret not taking out travel insurance.

They think their credit card accident cover, home insurance, or private health cover is sufficient.

The real cost when things go wrong.

An emergency abroad can be extremely expensive. If you need to be returned to the UK it could cost you thousands of pounds, unless you are adequately insured:

£35-45,000 - air ambulance from USA’s East coast

£12-16,000 - air ambulance from the Canary Islands

£15-20,000 - scheduled flight, stretcher and Doctor escort from Australia.

Figures supplied by First Assist Services Ltd.

Remember: the British Embassy or High Commission will not pay for this.

What should my travel insurance policy cover?

Medical and health cover for an injury or sudden illness abroad – more information on medical and health cover.

24 hour emergency service and assistance.

Personal liability cover in case you’re sued for causing injury or damaging property.

Lost and stolen possessions cover.

Cancellation and curtailment (cutting short your trip) cover.

Extra cover for activities that are commonly excluded from standard policies, such as jet skiing.

The policy should cover the whole time that you’re away.

 

Your policy may also have:

Personal accident cover.

Legal expenses cover.

Financial protection if your airline goes bankrupt before or during your trip.

Many insurers will extend cover if you ask them. If not, shop around for a specialist policy.

Common travel insurance policy exclusions.

Always check the conditions and exclusions of your policy:

Most policies will not cover drink or drug-related incidents.

60% of travel insurance policies now cover terrorism.

Where possible, ensure that your policy does not exclude terrorism.

You must take reasonable care of your possessions or your policy will not cover you.

 

Travel insurance buying tips.

Shop around to find a good price and the right product rather than opting to travel without cover.Cheaper policies will usually have less cover – for some the price seems most important, but is it worth the initial saving?Consider annual multi-trip insurance if you make several trips a year – you’ll save time and money.

Cancelling or cutting a trip short.

A good insurance policy will cover you for cancelling or cutting a trip short. Check carefully to see exactly what you’re covered for:

AccidentIllnessPregnancy (unknown when you buy the policy)

Jury service or witness summons

Home emergency: fire, storm or flood, burglary

RedundancyStrikesBad weather – affects the departure of flights and ships.

Ensure your policy:

Will refund the full cost of your holiday

Pays out if you need to cancel or cut short a trip because you fall ill for example

Covers pre-paid expenses such as excursions

Covers extra costs incurred to get home.

 

Try to book with a travel company that holds an ATOL (Air Travel Organiser’s Licence) or is a member of an association that can offer financial protection for your travel arrangments, e.g. ABTA or AITO. Always ask your travel company if protection applies to your travel arrangements. If it doesn’t, the company may be able to offer suitable insurance to cover you. 

Personal liability insurance

If you accidentally cause an injury to someone or damage their property they may sue you. Good travel insurance will cover you for personal liability.

Personal accident cover – disability and deathTravel insurance can cover a personal accident payment made for permanent disability or death.

Cover for stolen, lost or damaged possessions You can normally choose the limit in your policy. Limits for single items such as cameras and jewellery can vary from as little as £250 up to £1000 or more. Check these limits are adequate and realistic. You should report a loss to the Police within 24 hours. Proof of notification will be required when you make your claim. All insurance policies say that you must take care of your belongings at all times. If you don’t, the policy may not pay out.

Tip: take as much care of your property as if it were uninsured.

Lost baggage on flights

Do not rely on compensation from an airline if it loses your luggage.By law, airlines only have to pay a specified minimum value per kilo of lost luggage. This is unlikely to cover the full value of your things.

Legal expenses cover.

Taking out legal expenses cover will help you to pursue compensation or damages following personal injury while you're abroad very important in countries without legal aid system.

They above information although as accurate as possible from reliable internet sources may contain errors it is your responsibility to ensure your cover meets your needs.