Came across this to-day on [broken link removed] and it may be worth noting for anyone who uses their EHIC card but note that the change will not come into effect until 2013:
[broken link removed]
The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is currently free to British citizens and citizens of EU member states. It provides proof of entitlement to emergency health care when traveling within Europe. It covers you whether you are travelling for pleasure, business, employment, and education or training purposes.
On Wednesday (19 January 2011) Euro-MPs passed plans for new cross-border healthcare legislation that will allow EU citizens to obtain treatment while travelling to other Member states. Non-hospital treatment should be straightforward, but if a hospital stay of more than 24-hours is necessary patients will have to obtain approval for payment from a doctor in their home health authority. The patient will then have to pay for the treatment and claim back the cost from the NHS or health authority of their own country upon their return.
The new arrangement does not come into effect until 2013. In the meantime, travellers should still apply for the free EHIC and carry it with them on their travels along with other important travel documents, such as passport, visa, proof of necessary vaccinations, authorization to carry prescription medicines (if applicable), and a comprehensive travel insurance policy.
Note that the EHIC applies to emergencytreatment only. The EHIC should not be used as a substitute for travel insurance because it does not cover many associated costs – such as non-urgent or ongoing treatment - and especially expensive repatriation by air ambulance (alive or dead!) if needed.
Watch for updates on this controversial new legislation. Closer to implementation of the new law it is expected that member states will provide information centers to inform the public how it all works.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_3-nLRW4swk&feature=player_embedded#!
[broken link removed]
The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is currently free to British citizens and citizens of EU member states. It provides proof of entitlement to emergency health care when traveling within Europe. It covers you whether you are travelling for pleasure, business, employment, and education or training purposes.
On Wednesday (19 January 2011) Euro-MPs passed plans for new cross-border healthcare legislation that will allow EU citizens to obtain treatment while travelling to other Member states. Non-hospital treatment should be straightforward, but if a hospital stay of more than 24-hours is necessary patients will have to obtain approval for payment from a doctor in their home health authority. The patient will then have to pay for the treatment and claim back the cost from the NHS or health authority of their own country upon their return.
The new arrangement does not come into effect until 2013. In the meantime, travellers should still apply for the free EHIC and carry it with them on their travels along with other important travel documents, such as passport, visa, proof of necessary vaccinations, authorization to carry prescription medicines (if applicable), and a comprehensive travel insurance policy.
Note that the EHIC applies to emergencytreatment only. The EHIC should not be used as a substitute for travel insurance because it does not cover many associated costs – such as non-urgent or ongoing treatment - and especially expensive repatriation by air ambulance (alive or dead!) if needed.
Watch for updates on this controversial new legislation. Closer to implementation of the new law it is expected that member states will provide information centers to inform the public how it all works.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_3-nLRW4swk&feature=player_embedded#!