European Health Insurance Card
The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) entitles UK residents access to necessary, state provided medical treatment, during a temporary visit in the European Economic Area (EEA) countries and Switzerland - at a reduced cost or free of charge. The EHIC is valid for five years.
Most travel insurance companies will not charge the policyholder an excess when the EHIC is used.
Please remember to take your EHIC with you when you travel and check that it is still valid, as you are required to present it for medical treatment. Each traveller will require a card. The EHIC will cover the costs of managing pre-existing medical conditions, maternity care or renal dialysis but it will not cover you if you are going abroad to receive medical treatment.
The EHIC is not an alternative to Travel Insurance. Repatriation, private medical treatment, mountain rescue, stolen property and the like are not covered. Each country’s healthcare system is slightly different so your EHIC may not cover everything that would be free on the NHS. Many countries expect patients to pay towards their treatment. You may be able to claim the money back in the other country or when you return to the UK. Private treatment is not covered by the EHIC. Neither are privately run services. For example, some state-run hospitals in other countries have private ambulance services.
An example of what is covered in France for example-
Prescriptions – you will be charged according to what drug you are prescribed but between 35% and 65% can be reclaimed in most instances (not if the statement is marked NR). Bandages and common drugs are refunded at the lower rate.
Doctors – you will have to pay but provided the doctor works for the state health system you can reclaim about 70%.
Hospital – you will have to pay 25% of the cost of in-patient treatment plus a fixed daily charge, neither of which is refundable.
In Greece
Prescriptions - Medicines prescribed by an IKA-ETAM doctor are dispensable by any pharmacy. You will be charged a 25% patient charge. Charges may vary depending on the prescription.
Doctors - You should try to consult an IKA –ETAM doctor or dentist in order to receive treatment for free or at a reduced cost. However, ensure you present your EHIC on the day. A patient charge of 25% of national tariff provision is due if you should require the provision for prosthesis, major appliances or other expensive treatments.
Hospital - If you have been referred to a public hospital or clinic by an IKA-ETAM doctor, you must ask for a ‘ticket‘, which is your proof of entitlement to healthcare within the scheme.
The EHIC is valid in the European Economic Area and Switzerland. The European Economic Area is made up of all 27 members of the European Union plus Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. The EEA has a special arrangement with Switzerland which allows the EHIC issued in any EEA member state to be used to access healthcare there. You can apply for the EHIC card online or at a main post office.
So before going away to a country that is part of the EHIC scheme remember to get your card but don’t forget to take out travel insurance too! | 
