How to get travel insurance if you're suffering from a serious illness and why you mustn't just rely on EHIC
If you’re getting treatment for an illness, or you’re terminally ill, you may be tempted to book the holiday of a lifetime – but if something goes wrong this can turn into an expensive dream.
Travel insurance for those who suffer from a long-term illness can be expensive and hard to find – meaning that people sometimes take a risk and go without.
However, if treatment is needed while they are away this can run into thousands of pounds and even holidaymakers who opt to play it safe and simply travel to Europe are being warned that they can’t just rely on their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to cover them.
![Dream break: If you've been diagnosed with a serious medical illness or are receiving treatment then it can be hard, and sometimes impossible, to find affordable insurance.](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/04/12/article-2307958-19415B34000005DC-985_634x352.jpg)
Dream break: If you've been diagnosed with a serious medical illness or are receiving treatment then it can be hard, and sometimes impossible, to find affordable insurance.
The problem many suffering from serious illnesses face is that insurers will decide the likelihood of you falling ill while you’re away, or having to cancel your trip because of your illness, is higher and therefore the cost of travel cover will also be more expensive - or even refuse it altogether.
Each insurer has a different view of the financial risk you represent – but it may be hard to find affordable cover. Even a relatively simple week-long trip to France can lead to quotes running into hundreds of pounds for someone suffering from cancer.
Fortunately, a number of specialist insurers, such as World First, InsuranceWith, Gnu, AllClear and Staysure, provide cover for those who want go away and are suffering from an ongoing illness.
Compared to regular travel insurance, which many have got used to picking up cheaply, costs will typically still be far higher for anyone with a serious illness. That means many opt to simply rely on an EHIC, but they need to be aware that this does not automatically cover all their costs within Europe, despite the widespread belief that it does.
It will also not cover the cost of getting them home if they need special treatment.
The EHIC system offers free or discounted medical treatment at any state-run hospital when visiting any EU country, plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.
But there have been reports that the card is being rejected or misused in some countries suffering from economic problems, such as Spain and Greece.
Worryingly some suggest there are number of cartels working across Spanish resorts where holidaymakers are being taken to private clinics instead of state-run hospitals, where treatment is subsidised. The private clinics can then charge big bills, which must be settled by the holidaymaker or their travel provider.
A recent report by the International Travel Insurance Journal (ITIJ) drew attention to allegations that some hospitals in Spain are refusing EHICs.
It looked into claims that holidaymakers have been forced to provide travel insurance or credit card details to cover medical costs.
Confusion over the Spanish hospital system, which has public hospitals, private hospitals and those that are privately owned but provide public services under contract, has led some holidaymakers to not realise they have been taken to those that may charge and refuse EHICs.
An EC spokesman for employment, social affairs and inclusion, told the ITIJ: 'The Commission is aware that there are some problems in Spain as regards the alleged refusal of some hospitals to recognise the EHIC.'
Beyond the problem of the card being rejected, the amount it covers varies from country to country. It’s not as simple as waving your EHIC and getting free treatment, which many Britons believe is the case.
For example, in Belgium you will be required to pay for the healthcare and then you have to claim back 75 per cent of the costs.
While in Austria treatment is free provided the doctor has a contract with one of the regional health insurance offices.
You must check that your EHIC is accepted by the doctor or health care facility before getting treatment.
EHIC: WHAT IS COVERED IN EACH COUNTRY?
Austria: Treatment is free provided the doctor has a contract with one of the regional health insurance offices. If an uncontracted doctor treats you, you will be charged.
Belgium: You are required to pay a doctor for healthcare, but you might be able to claim back 75 per cent of the costs. Check the doctor accepts the EHIC before getting treated.
Bulgaria: Around 90 per cent of doctors in Bulgaria are registered with the National Insurance Fund, but always check.
Cyprus: Treatment is available from doctors in state healthcare centres, but you will be charged 2 euros per visit. You might be able to claim back.
Czech Republic: If the doctor is registered with the CMU, you will pay a small charge. If the doctor isn't registered you will have to pay the full costs.
Denmark: Consultations are covered but you'll need to check the doctor is registered. If you don't show your EHIC you might be charged but you can usually claim back.
Estonia: You will be liable to pay for a proportion of the costs for any medical treatment, including home visits. These are not refundable.
Finland: You must show your EHIC and passport or other travel documents to get reduced cost treatments. Some are free but others may be charged.
France: Make sure your doctor/dentist is registered. If you're admitted to hospital you must show your EHIC. Inpatients will have a daily hospital charge. If you are admitted and have treatment then you will be charged a flat-rate contribution of 18 euros in addition to the daily hospital charge or 20 per cent towards your treatment.
Germany: You may be asked to pay for any treatment upfront and then seek a refund in the UK (standard payment is 10 euros). Show your EHIC when you're admitted.
Hungary: Medical treatment is only given at surgeries contracted with the OEP. A fee is charged of around 2 euros per visit. A larger fee of 3-4 euros is due for any out of hours treatment.
Greece: Remember in Greece that when consulting a private doctor or dentist you will have to present the EHIC and pay all charged upfront and then claim back from Greek authorities.
Ireland: In emergencies go directing to an A&E unit of any public hospital. No charge.
Iceland: Prescription charges vary in the various districts, ranging from 0 to 100 per cent, according the category. You must provide proof of EHIC or pay the full amount.
Italy: Check the doctor is registered with the SSN, as its services are normally free.
Latvia: A standard fee is charged when visiting the doctor, although under 18s will not be charged. Health clinics do not charge for emergency or intensive care.
Liechtenstein: The EHIC will cover any visit to a public health scheme doctor. You will be charged 67 Euros, which can be reimbursed when back in the UK. All medicines are free.
Lithuania: Treatment is free of charge under the EHIC scheme. Always present the EHIC with a valid passport before any consultations or treatment is administered.
Luxembourg: Travellers will need to pay for treatment first, then claim back from the CMO, who will fully fund any stay in hospital or medicine. Always show EHIC.
Malta: Treatment is available from doctors in public health centres but remember to show the EHIC before receiving help. Any medication is free for the first three days only.
Norway: There will be a standard fee for treatment in Norway, but you may be able to claim in back in the UK. In most cases, prescribed medicines will be charged.
Netherlands: Consult a doctor working under the AGIS scheme and treatment will usually be free. Ensure you always show the EHIC before receiving treatment.
Poland: Look for health providers working under the state healthcare scheme, marked with the NFZ logo.
Portugal: State healthcare is provided without charge for all appointments with the local doctor, dentist and state-run hospitals. Show EHIC on admission.
Romania: If you need to see a doctor, dentist, pharmacist or need to go to hospital, you should check if they're working with the Casa Nationala de Asiguarari de Sanatate.
Slovakia: Consult a doctor who works under the Slovakian health insurance system. A daily charge is due for inpatient hospital treatment (maximum 21 days). All other services are free, but there may be substantial non-refundable charges for complex procedures. Out-patient treatment is charged.
Slovenia: Consult a doctor registered with the HIIS. Even with the EHIC, standard patient contribution must be paid. If you don't have an EHIC then you will be charged full treatment costs. This is non-refundable in Slovenia but you may be able to get a reimbursement in the UK. Emergency services are free.
Spain: State provided healthcare is free with EHIC, but private healthcare is charged and is non-refundable. If payment is requested upfront, you are probably receiving private health care.
Sweden: Check that the doctor is part of an affiliated public insurance scheme. Charges are not refundable and vary between 10-15 Euros per treatment. Patients under 20 years old will be treated free of charge.
Switzerland: Check the doctor is registered with the Swiss public healthy authority and always show your EHIC. Normally you will have to pay for treatment and then claim it back.
CAN YOU GET INSURANCE?
Most insurers will regard an on-going illness, like cancer, as a ‘pre-existing condition’ and the likelihood of you falling ill while you’re away, or having to cancel your trip because of your illness, is higher and therefore the cost of your travel cover will also be more expensive.
Each insurer has a different view of the financial risk you represent – but it may be hard to find affordable cover.
However, there are a number of specialist insurers that do provide cover for those who want go away and are suffering from an ongoing illness.
Insurance firms such as, World First, InsuranceWith, Gnu, AllClear and Staysure have been set up specially to provide cover for such people.
![Don't rely on your EHIC: The rules for each country varies - so travellers are being warned that they cannot rely on EHIC protection.](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/04/12/article-2307958-19415ABB000005DC-757_306x423.jpg)
Don't rely on your EHIC: The rules for each country varies - so travellers are being warned that they cannot rely on EHIC protection.
Fiona Macrae runs Insurancewith.com, a broker that focuses on providing insurance for those who have had cancer.
She said: ‘It is important to discuss your travel plans with your doctor so that you are able to travel safely.
It is also important to time your trip so that it is during a break in your treatment.
For example, it would not be advisable to go the week after you’ve had chemotherapy – we usually say it’s best to wait three weeks.
Of course you should go to a specialist provider as they will be able to find you the right cover.’
Another options is to contact the British Insurance Brokers Association (BIBA) (0870 950 1790) as they will be able to direct you to a specialist broker who will be able to find cover.
Graeme Trudgill, head of corporate affairs at BIBA, said: 'Choose your destination carefully to ensure you are within a range of medical facilities.
Some medical conditions like asthma, gout, glaucoma and Diabetes may be accepted at normal terms by many travel insurers but many providers will reject the more serious conditions including cancer.
This is where specialist insurance brokers can help. If you are having difficulty, our advice is to contact the BIBA Find a broker service as we are able to match the customer with a relevant broker who specialises in the specific condition, whether it be someone with cancer or a heart condition.'
WHAT ABOUT NEW RULES?
A new rule for insurers which came into effect last week means that it should, in theory, be harder for firms to turn down claims.
From April 6 this year insurers must ask customers specific questions about what they need to know for the cover – this means that firms must ask customers if they suffer from illnesses when they take out the cover. It applies to any policy no matter how insurance is purchased, be it online, by telephone or face to face.
The Association of British Insurers (ABI) says that this should help customers have ‘peace of mind’ when taking out policies.
The new law applies to all personal insurance, including home, car and travel, as well as critical illness and income protection insurance.
Consumers must still check their renewal notices and tell their insurer if information has changed or is incorrect.
A spokesman from the ABI said: 'Travel insurance is an essential purchase for anyone holidaying abroad. It protects customers against the cost of emergency medical treatment, which can amount to thousands of pounds, especially if medical repatriation is necessary.
'Travellers must ensure they disclose their medical conditions to insurers so that they know exactly what they are and are not covered for.'
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