Travel Insurance

European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
 
The EHIC has replaced the E111, which can no longer be used, and some of the conditions have changed.
 
The EHIC entitles you to free or reduced cost emergency treatment within the European Union (EU). You get the same care as the people who live in that country, which may not be the same as you would expect in the NHS. You may need to pay the money in the country you visit and claim it back later. It does not include travelling to a country for health treatment. Medical evacuation to the UK will not be included unless specifically agreed.
 
There are three ways to apply for an EHIC:
 
          Apply by post, using an application form available from your local Post Office
          Apply by calling 0845 606 2030
          Apply online for an EHIC
           
It can take up to three weeks for your EHIC card to arrive if you apply by post. It should be quicker if you apply by phone (up to ten days) or online (up to seven days).
 
In-depth information on the EHIC is available on the NHS Choices website or in the Department of Health leaflet, “Health Advice for Travellers”, obtainable at most Post Offices and GP surgeries. Both the website and the leaflet provide a list of non-EU countries with some agreement to provide health services to visitors from the UK.
 
NHS Choices website: advice for travellers
 
If you know that you will need treatment (e.g. infusions or injections) while you are travelling to a country within the European Union (or Switzerland) then you will also need to take the E112 form with you. You need to discuss this with your consultant. If you are carrying syringes, please check with the airline first for their security guidelines – you may need an accompanying doctor’s letter.
 
Depending on where you are planning to visit, you may need to have the regular travel vaccinations before you go. You need to discuss with your consultant well in advance of your proposed departure date which are safe for you to have. Please note, you will have to review each country’s vaccination requirements before you travel.
 
Non-European vaccinations need to be discussed with your consultant, who may refer you to the Department of Tropical Medicine’s review line.
 
All agencies, including the Government, strongly recommend that you buy travel insurance as well as taking a European Health Insurance Card.
 
“Fit to travel” letter
 
Some companies will ask for a letter from your consultant that says you are well enough to travel.
 
These companies may charge you if they contact your consultant, so we strongly advise that you ask your doctor for the letter yourself. It may save time if you get the letter before contacting any insurance companies.
 
Getting travel insurance
 
Getting travel insurance when you have had cancer can be more difficult, so it is a good idea to start looking as soon as you can. It can also be very difficult to get insurance for some countries, particularly the USA.
 
Ideally, you should start looking for insurance before you have booked your holiday.  Most insurance providers are commercial businesses, and have a list of criteria that they use to assess the possible risks of insuring a person.
 
People who have had cancer usually need to call a medical screening line. The staff will often ask you a list of questions over the phone, about your illness and treatment. This can be distressing, so you may want to contact a couple at a time.
 
Different companies assess the results in different ways, and vary in the level of cover they are willing to provide. For this reason it can be worth shopping around for travel insurance, or getting advice from an insurance broker. Brokers do not supply insurance directly, but can shop around on your behalf.
 
Some companies and brokers specialise in providing insurance for people with medical problems. Their prices vary a lot; some may be very expensive (even thousands of pounds), but others are much cheaper.
 
Further information on travel insurance
 
 
Or contact your CLIC Sargent social worker or community worker who will be able to provide you with a travel insurance pack which includes details of insurance companies.