If you are a Maltese resident, the EHIC needs no introduction. When travelling within the EU, chances are you are a holder of an European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), tucked safely in your wallet or passport holder. This is a small blue card that is issued free of charge to anyone with a Maltese residency, EU full-time students, holders of a valid Maltese Permanent Residence document, and certain EU citizens by the Maltese government.
Truth is that most of us don’t know enough about it, even though it might come in very handy when you are visiting a European country. Many believe the myth that it acts like a golden ticket to free healthcare anywhere in Europe. The reality is a bit different.
Whilst the EHIC is very useful, it doesn’t provide all-inclusive travel protection. Not all medical situations are covered, won’t take care of any mishaps that occur during your travels and surely won’t be of assistance if something happens before you board the plane.
The smartest move is to pair it with a secure private travel insurance policy. Here’s how and why.
HOW DOES THE EHIC WORK?
The European Health Insurance Card offers free access to state-provided healthcare during a holiday or a temporary visit to any one of the 27 EU countries, including Iceland, Liechtenstein, Switzerland and Norway.
This card gives you the same rights as any local resident. If that country’s nationals get free healthcare like in Malta or a reduced medical rate, you’ll also enjoy the same privilege. What to keep in mind is that this card DOES NOT cover private hospitals, so medical care given within such places require you to pay upfront.
Some might think that should they require medical care, they’ll check whether a hospital is state-owned or private. Keep in mind that in case of emergencies, such decisions might not be at the top priority list. Your safety is of utmost importance, so emergency services will head to the nearest hospital. And unlike a travel insurance plan, any costs linked to medical procedures provided within a private hospital may not be reimbursed. Always check insurance coverage with your insurer.
What you need to do with your EHIC should you need to use it, is to show it at the hospital or clinic you’re visiting and they will process your care the same way as they would do for a resident of that country.
WHAT DOES THE EHIC COVER?
That little blue card might come in handy to cover essential medical treatments you might need during a vacation, if you require any of the below.
- Maternity care during pregnancy or childbirth, as long as you didn’t travel abroad specifically to give birth there.
- Emergency situations such as falling ill or getting injured whilst in an EU country to be treated in a public hospital.
- Getting treatment for pre-existing health condition.
- Receive necessary ongoing treatment for chronic conditions, such as for long-term illnesses like diabetes or asthma.
- Dialysis or oxygen therapy should be arranged beforehand through booking in advance.
Should the locals require a co-payment to fund certain treatments or prescriptions, you will be required to do the same, paying the local rate however, this might still be higher than expected.
Make sure you do some research about the specific EU country you are visiting, especially if you are aware of an existing medical condition.
WHAT THE EHIC DOESN’T COVER?
The card should not be considered as a free pass to any healthcare treatment or even any mishaps that might occur during your travels.
- It only covers public healthcare, so if you find yourself in a private clinic; whether because it is the closest or the public hospital is full, you will be asked to fork out the expenses of the bill. In such a situation, a travel insurance policy will come in handy.
- Any non-medical travel issues such as a lost suitcase, cancelled flight or a stolen passport or money do not fall under the EHIC remit. That’s where your travel insurance comes in.
- If for medical reasons you need repatriation back to Malta, whether it involves having a medical member escorting you back or an air ambulance, only travel insurance can take care of it. Always speak to your insurer to learn about the coverage details.
- If you fall ill before your departure and are unfit to make the trip, the EHIC does not cover the lost investment. Once again, a travel insurance would be your saving grace.
- Unless you are travelling within the EU, EEA or Switzerland, the EHIC is does not apply.
WHY HAVING A TRAVEL INSURANCE IS IMPORTANT
One might be inclined to rely on an EHIC but a travel insurance fills the big gaps where the card does not venture.
Your insurer will guide you best on what you are looking for and how a travel plan can be the well-needed safety net during your travels, especially when considering:
- Coverage for trip cancellations or delays
- 24 hour medical assistance if you require in-patient treatment
- Repatriation costs to travel back to Malta
- Coverage for private medical care should it be needed
- Protection offered outside the EU where the EHIC does not apply
- Coverage of personal belonging such as luggage, passports, electronics and jewellery
Having an EHIC is truly valuable when travelling in Europe and selected countries, but your travel insurance plan does what the card cannot. Your peace of mind should be at the forefront before a trip. Check that your EHIC is valid and that your travel insurance plan is handy at all times.