EHIC Card when going abroad

nunn351

If you have a medical card , do you need to have an EHIC card when going abroad ?

BuffyBot

Yes, you do. Medical cards are only for use within Ireland.

Stinicker

nunn351 wrote: »

If you have a medical card , do you need to have an EHIC card when going abroad ?

Yes, but it is only valid in Europe, see here, it only covers Medical costs and it is a good idea to always take out adequate travel insurance when going abroad. The card is free and you'd want to order it 2 to 3 weeks before traveling, but if it is last minute they will send you a slip of paper ensuring coverage on a temporary basis.

http://www.ehic.ie/

nunn351

Thanks - going to apply now for an updated one - travelling 18th July - Spain

naughtysmurf

Get some travel insurance too, it's cheap enough and will give you better medical cover if needed, should also be some cover for flight cancellations, lost baggage, lost money / cards etc etc

nunn351

Thanks - was unable to apply online as it would not accept the card number , so sent in application by post .

Hopefully will get card before 16th July

schemingbohemia

nunn351 wrote: »

Thanks - was unable to apply online as it would not accept the card number , so sent in application by post .

Hopefully will get card before 16th July

You'll definitely get it in time, I got mine within two weeks.

coylemj

Is there any first hand or anecdotal evidence that having the EHIC card makes any difference if you have an incident on holiday?

I mean if a tourist has an emergency in Ireland, they will be admitted to a public hospital and fixed up, with or without an EHIC card. The card won't get you priority in A&E, won't get you flown home in an air ambulance and you won't see the inside of a private clinic without evidence of health insurance so what difference does having the card make?

I do have the card so am not a total sceptic, I'm just wondering why I'd need it going to countries like the UK or Spain where there is a state-funded public health service?

naughtysmurf

In Spain a couple of years back I could feel an ear infection coming on, went to the local public clinic, showed my card, they punched the details into the computer, saw the doctor, got a perscription and was on my way in 20mins.

No charge

That's my only experience of using it, grand for minor stuff like that

My Father had to be flown home by air ambulance a few years back from Lanzarote but he was well insured. A good travel insurance policy is a must & would usually cost 1 or 2% if that of the overall cost of the holiday

nunn351

EHIC Card arrived today ...........Thats about 7 working days - very quick