EHIC in France (1 Viewer)

[Steve101uk]

Hi, I picked up on a thread the other day about people having a positive experience of using the EHIC in Europe, in particular Spain. My parents in their late 70's are driving their motorhome to France next year following us to the Il De Rey. My Mum has a range of health issues, heart attack pace maker diabetes etc etc. Dad was going to get some quotes for insurance soon but in the meantime I would be very interested how many of you do not take out health insurance at for travelling in France, or have personal experience of using just the EHIC for medical treatment.

many thanks

Steve

 

[Judge Mental]

EHIC treatment will be fine...but how do you get back if something unfortunate happens. thats what insurance is really for or to cover extended stays if your hospitalised...

 

[sandrae]

EHIC will get your parents the same treatment as French nationals but they might have to pay for this in advance (I did) and then claim it back and this might incur some costs. I think I only got 70% back. You also must make sure you get all the right forms at the time. The detail is here http://www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/Healthcareabroad/countryguide/Pages/healthcareinFrance.aspx.

As said though, it won't pay for any repatriation etc. if they are taken ill and can't get back under their own steam.

I have multiple illnesses that I declare and get cover easily though I do have to pay a small extra premium. Having been taken very ill on holiday once I feel this is worth it for the peace of mind.

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[Judge Mental]

Might be worth sharing which insurers we use....

 

[Bailey58]

I wrote on another thread recently that we were covered as a couple by AXA last year for European Annual Multi Trip with previous medical conditions for around £225 or so. Due to expire soon and we're off to the Caribbean which means worldwide with a renewal premium with them of £490 which I think was for Premium/Gold cover. Shopped around and paid £158 with Covered2Go, a Which Best Buy company, plus £54 for the medical element after speaking to their medical associates. All very easy online and on the phone.

 

[Snowbird]

Some of us have no option but use the EHIC. I was quoted £silly for full travel insurance, it would be cheaper to hire a Lear jet to repatriate me. If the EHIC is good enough for a local, its good enough for me. Many insurance companies will not cover for some existing ailments at any price. The treatment I have received on the EHIC is far superior to anything I would have received on the NHS. Unfortunately you will only find out how good your travel insurance is when its too late.

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[Puddleduck]

Totally agree that some of the premiums are £outofthisworld

The things I really want cover for are excluded anyway

It is a matter of personal judgement of course. Some people are being given the option to be treated in EU hospitals rather than wait on the NHS lists so if you would opt for that why not rely on the EHIC for emergency cover?

Coming home I would prefer to travel in my own vehicle and in comfort having done a few trips in the back of an ambulance.

The problem would come when you wanted to get home or if your other half / motorhome was stranded.

If going off the beaten track, or to the USA (And some other places) then full insurance is a must of course. Otherwise it's a matter of your attitude to risk.

 

[Munchie]

Also in France if your problem is life threatening, treatment is free!!!

 

[Judge Mental]

Also in France if your problem is life threatening, treatment is free!!!

Hmmmm.......Thats some kind of consolation I guess!

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[motorhomer]

Everyone I tried has refused to cover some conditions that arose for me earlier this year, although I do have cover for new unrelated conditions.

So if I want to continue going abroad I have no choice - I have to rely on the EHIC. Bit of a problem if I want to go outside Europe though.

 

[Puddleduck]

Everyone I tried has refused to cover some conditions that arose for me earlier this year, although I do have cover for new unrelated conditions.

So if I want to continue going abroad I have no choice - I have to rely on the EHIC. Bit of a problem if I want to go outside Europe though.

You have to decide how likely it is that you will be ill before you go (and have to cancel) or when you are away (and need help). A discussion with your doctor can be reassuring.

I've had blood clots and so can't get insurance for anything related to circulatory system - is it likely to reoccur? No as I take the meds and follow the advice. The health insurance excludes it and I have fun and don't worry about it except for following the regime.

To avoid the "ill before you go" I tend to book at last minute for non-motorhome holidays and can get a real bargain.

 

[injebreck99]

I'm having the same trouble, once you turn 65, you may as well kill yourself cuz you will soon keel over anyway according to the insurance companies, I had a very minor heart attack 30 years ago, no trouble since, but still cannot get cover.
I even offered to pay for a medical myself, to prove I'm OK, no thanks they said, and don't even mention the USA or Alaska Cruising!.

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[sandrae]

I had some of mine not covered in the past but still felt the insurance was worth it for the rest that were covered. Since then I've got my conditions sorted or under control so long as I follow advice. When I declare my medical problems now I'm only usually asked how long I've had them and if I've had problems with them in the last year. As I haven't I've managed to get cover for all conditions.

To be honest I'm more worried about things that I haven't got, like breaking an arm or a leg or having a heart attack or a stroke, than those I have got as I generally know how to deal with them, and getting home if I was immobile. It's all very well having your own motorhome to come home in, but that is assuming you are able or have someone else to drive it and that you can get in/out of it, sit in it and cope with the journey.

 

[sandrae]

Sorry injebreck99, our posts crossed. I can see your problem.

 

[Puddleduck]

I worked with a man who'd had a heart attack and still wanted to go travelling. For the USA he used to wait until he got there, walk into an insurance office and arrange cover for his stay. It was just basic cover he took out for costs in a public hospital. Not sure if this is still an option but might be worth checking out. No good fir cruising though. Sometimes the cruise companies can suggest specialist insurers.

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[Arnica]

I'm having the same trouble, once you turn 65, you may as well kill yourself cuz you will soon keel over anyway according to the insurance companies, I had a very minor heart attack 30 years ago, no trouble since, but still cannot get cover.
I even offered to pay for a medical myself, to prove I'm OK, no thanks they said, and don't even mention the USA or Alaska Cruising!.

When you're coming up for your OBE - (Over Bl**dy Eighty) - it gets worse. I received a quote from ADAC for four months away in the motorhome in Southern Europe and Morocco - 1,700 euroes. Cor blimey!

 

[maison]

This year my wife had an accident in France whilst cycling.

On the visit to hospital EHIC was accepted without problems. Physical examination, X-Rays, consultation with specialist, splints and crutches, cost 83 euros on top. We had to pay before leaving but, because of a delay in the X-Ray costs reaching the accounts department they were willing to let us leave and post the X-ray charges to our home.

Service was excellent throughout.