Do pre-existing conditions get coverage under EHIC?
If any card holder is on a trip to an EU country and has a pre-existing condition for which treatment is needed, the EHIC will provide coverage. The thing to note is in case of any consultation it should be with a doctor contracted under the state healthcare system and treatment must be at a public hospital.
Are pregnancies covered by the EHIC?
While an EHIC offers basic maternity check-ups or an emergency birth on a visit to an EU nation, it does not cover having a planned delivery there. Subject to the rules of the EU nation you visit, there might be a small charge or free check-ups and a pregnancy emergency at a state healthcare facility.
What about conditions like Dialysis or Chemotherapy?
It is subject to the nation you plan to visit. Those on dialysis or chemotherapy wanting to take a trip to any EU country will need to consult their healthcare provider if they can manage to arrange to continue the medical treatments at a state facility in the country you visit. They will be able to keep you updated on whether your EHIC can be of use there.
Things not covered by the EHIC
Some things that are not covered by the EHIC include:
- There is no coverage for treatment at private hospitals.
- Need medical evacuation: If the individual need to hire an air ambulance for repatriation or evacuation to the UK it is not covered.
- Planned birth: If an individual travels to an EU nation with the specific purpose of giving birth there is no EHIC coverage offered.
- Any luggage misplaced or lost during the trip.
- Medical treatment: Similarly, if the individual travels to a country in the EU with the express purpose of receiving treatment or consulting a specialist physician there is no coverage offered.
- The trip is curtailed or cancelled for any reason.
- Any kind of cosmetic surgery.
Using the EHIC
The precondition to be covered by the EHIC is for an individual to only visit a state healthcare hospital or doctor that is contracted with the national insurance fund of that country. When visiting the card is to be furnished before the treatment and subject to the local laws there might be a small charge or free treatment offered.
While the clinics or hospitals will differ where the EHIC is valid from one nation to another if treatment is sought at public or state healthcare centres the EHIC will offer coverage. To know more about the list of hospitals available in the EU nation you intend to visit please check the website of the EU for hospitals that are eligible to visit as an EHIC holder.
Expiration of the EHIC
The expiry date of the EHIC is subject to the nation where it is issued and can be anywhere between some months up to 10 years. Generally, the EHIC has a validity duration of around 5 years, with the expiration date printed upon the card. Certain nations offer longer expiration dates for pensioners including Bulgaria and Austria.
Renewing an EHIC
The renewal process of an EHIC is similar to the registration process where it can be done online, in person or by post. If there has been no change in info since the card was issued, it will be relatively easier and quicker. In case of getting married, moving to a new address or changes in personal details, the process will take longer as first it needs to be updated before getting renewed.
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Is the EHIC valid after Brexit?
If the expiration date on the card issued in the UK is valid it can continue to be used until it expires even with Brexit. Subject to the card having been renewed recently it can be still valid for a couple of years. When about to expire there will be a need to apply for the GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card) instead as that has replaced the EHIC after Brexit. It works similarly to the EHIC and can be used for treatment at public healthcare hospitals in countries within the EU.
Although, for UK citizens neither the EHIC/GHIC are no longer valid for treatment in Switzerland, Norway, Liechtenstein or Iceland.
