[Previous entry: "Top-up Insurance is a Lucrative Earner"] [Next entry: "New Low-Cost Scheme From Airline"]
19/05/2005: "Basic E111 Forms Are Not Enough"
Travel insurance, and E111 forms, should be top of holidaymakers' priorities this summer, experts have said.
With two bank holidays in May alone Britons are looking over the Channel to find some sun, fun, or culture, but millions might be paying too much or missing out on essential cover by not taking simple precautions.
If you do nothing else, ensuring you have a valid E111 form is a good start to obtaining medical treatment abroad should you need it. However, since the E111 only covers treatment provided under the country's state scheme, and does not include costly extras such as personal liability cover, cancellation and loss of baggage, it should not be seen as a substitute for a comprehensive insurance policy.
It has also been noted that although it may seem easier and less time-consuming to tag your insurance onto your holiday package deal, if you take a little time to do your own research, you could save yourself up to 80 per cent by opting for the best value deal from an independent provider.
The best things course of actions to ensure a safe and insured trip:
-Always keep a photocopy of your E111 form with the original. If you apply for treatment in France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, the Slovak Republic and Spain a photocopy is required as well as your original E111. You will be given back your E111 but the photocopy will be kept. However, in some countries the original E111 may be kept by the authorities.
-Always check that your holiday destination is covered by the E111 form. Not all European destinations are currently EU member countries.
-Always check the small print. Some insurers may only cover you for medical costs that are over and above those included in a reciprocal health arrangement e.g. the level of cover you would receive via an E111. So if you do not have the E111, you would have to pay the first part of the costs yourself.
Always take your policy document with you. It is not enough to have taken out a policy as many hospitals abroad will insist on seeing evidence of your insurance policy before they proceed.
Is the destination country deemed safe for travel?
-You will not be insured if you are travelling to a country where the Foreign and Commonwealth Office has advised against travel. For advice on countries not to travel to and for global information prior to travel visit www.fco.gov.uk/travel.
You can browse our policies on this page, and get an instant quote to suit your holiday requirements on this page.
