Unexpected hospitalization in the EU without EHIC, am I covered?

Question

I recently went to France. While there I suffered pain/discomfort and was hospitalized. I was given full checkout - Xray, blood test, blood pressure test and a chat with a doctor. No complaints at all. I was given notes to give to my doctor. Later I received a letter from the hospital asking for a back copy of my European Health Insurance Card.

Before I left for France I took out travel insurance with the airline I was traveling with, plus with my bank. So as far as I understand it I have two lots of insurance. Neither mentioned anything about a European Health Insurance Card.

I am now faced with the possibility of a big bill with little means to pay it, all because I didn't know about the European Health Insurance Card.

What can I do now? Is there some way to get at least partially reimbursed by my health insurance (e.g. the NHS)?

Answer 1

From the EHIC information site concerning France:

Reimbursement

• Reimbursements are claimed in France from the local CPAM office (Caisse Primaire D'Assurance Maladie).
• You will need to provide the treatment form ("feuille de soins"), copies of receipts and prescriptions, a copy of your European Health Insurance Card, your address of residence and your bank details, including International Bank Account Number (IBAN) and Bank Identifier Code (BIC). Confirmation of your refund will be sent to your home address.
• You can claim back around 70% of the standard treatment cost.
• If you were unable to submit a claim during your stay in France, contact your national health insurance provider when you return home.

It is not immediately clear whether not having the card issued before the event is going to affect your chances of reimbursement. It stands to reason it should not, as it is simply a document certifying your health insurance status back home, not a separate medical insurance. At any rate, you are advised to contact your national health insurance provider as soon as possible to receive more guidance how to obtain reimbursement. It's not very clear, but from the wording, you will be required to pay the full amount and only after that seek reimbursement.

See also:

• More on EHIC
• EHIC FAQ

Answer 2

The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) formerly known as the E111, can be used to cover any necessary medical treatment due to either an accident or illness within the European Economic Area (EEA). The EHIC entitles the holder to state-provided medical treatment within the country they are visiting and the service provided will be the same as received by a person covered by the country’s ‘insured’ medical scheme.

All British citizens (it is only applicable to British citizens I believe, although I'm sure similar cards exists for other european citizens) are encouraged to carry the EHIC when travelling in the EEA, in additional to travel insurance. (It usually has to be renewed every few years).

Edit:

In addition whilst it is not compulsory to have, I have heard many stories of Brits travelling to places like Spain on holiday, even though they had travel insurance, because they weren't carrying EHIC they encountered many problems with medical assistance/hospitalization etc.

For British citizens travelling within the EU, the only EU country where you do not need an EHIC card on you at the time of medical assistance and/or hospitalisation is when travelling to Malta. This is because a reciprocal agreement exists between the two countries for the medical treatment of it citizens.

For all other EU countries including Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein (if you are British at least) not having a valid EHIC card (even if you have travel insurance) on you at the time of such medical assistance could lead to very BIG problems.

It is also VERY important to note: You certainly CANNOT apply for a EHIC card (wrt being British) and expect to use it after a medical event has occurred in EU countries including Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein.

More info about EHIC can be found here:

• NHS Choices - EHIC (Some UK Specific bits, but ltos of info)
• EU Commission - EHIC (EU Wide)