• 14
  Aug
  2009

• European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) – Basic medical coverage

  
  Filed Under: News

Reports state that in order to save the expenses incurred due to purchasing an international tourist insurance policy, many European travellers are opting for the EHIC (European Health Insurance Card).

International travellers are advised to gather adequate information before taking this step as the EHIC provides very minimal coverage for the medical expenses incurred and may not suit for covering any complicated health disorders that may occur during the stay. The EHIC also does not cover any trip cancellation expenses or costs incurred due to loss of personal belongings which are highly essential especially for overseas travellers.

High emergency situation may force transportation of the individual from the foreign land back to the native country and the repatriation or emergency evacuation procedures would cost thousands of dollars. This kind of a benefit is offered only by the international tourist insurance plans and not by the EHIC.

Hence, overseas travellers should not skip buying a international visitor insurance plan while planning a trip abroad. Though EHIC may be beneficial for some of the basic medical treatments, it is not a recommended substitute for a travel medical insurance policy which offers more comprehensive benefits. Make sure the international tourist insurance plans covers those circumstances which the EHIC does not cover.

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