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Travel Insurance Tips - Part 5: Obtaining Medical Treatment Abroad

Obtaining medical treatment abroad : What to do in the event that you receive medical treatment abroad

Whether you are travelling to far flung destinations in search of winter sun, taking a gap year or heading to the mountains looking for snow, it is important to know whether you need any vaccinations before you travel and how to obtain medical treatment while you are away.

Here are our top tips for staying safe whilst on holiday:

Vaccinations

When travelling abroad, the vaccinations you need will depend on which country you are travelling to. Check with your doctor as soon as possible to find out if you need any vaccinations before you travel. If possible you should see your GP at least three months before you are due to depart. This is because some jabs need to be given well in advance in order for them to work properly.

Further information and advice can be found at: http://www.traveldoctor.co.uk/index.htm

European Health Insurance Card

If you are travelling abroad you may be entitled to medical care at reduced cost or sometimes free.

The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) allows you to access state-provided healthcare in all European Economic Area (EEA) countries and Switzerland at a reduced cost or free of charge.

Your EHIC will allow you access to the same state-provided healthcare as a resident of the country you are visiting. However, many countries expect the patient to pay towards their treatment, and even with an EHIC, you might be expected to do the same. You may be able to seek reimbursement for this cost when you are back in the UK if you are not able to do so in the other country.

It is important to note that the EHIC is NOT an alternative to travel insurance. It will not cover any private medical healthcare or the cost of things such as mountain rescue in ski resorts, repatriation to the UK or lost or stolen property.

Applying for the card is free and it's valid for up to five years. If you already hold the EHIC remember to check it is still valid before you travel.

Click here to renew or apply for your EHIC.

Non-EEA countries

You may also receive free healthcare if you're travelling outside the European Economic Area (EEA) provided that the country in question has a reciprocal healthcare arrangement with the UK.

Click here for a list of Non-EEA countries that have reciprocal healthcare arrangements with the UK.

Travellers to Australia

Medicare is the Australian reciprocal health care agreement which allows UK citizens access to limited subsidised health services for immediately necessary treatment while visiting Australia. Residents of the UK are covered for the duration of their approved visit to Australia.

More Information for Travellers to Australia