Ehic

[Kazal]

Last year on holiday in Spain my OH needed a doctor for an ear abcess, we were charged 45 euros and told that the EHIC was for use in hospitals and we should claim back from travel insurance. On return I contacted the NHS EHIC and was told that you cannot use the card with a private doctor.
We are off to Spain shortly and my OH has an ongoing lung condition for which he may need treatment. I have Travel insurance and they are aware of his condition. Should he need medical help would the EHIC be the best to use? Has anyone used the EHIC abroad. Although we have insurance they state that despite notifying them about his condition he is not covered by them. I am totally confused.

[ubasses]

If you look at the terms and conditions of your travel insurance you will probably find that you are expected to go to Spain's equivalent of our A&E first and use the EHIC. Once treatment needs to go beyond what is covered contact the Insurance Co and they will go ahead to pay any further bills.
Below is quote from Which website:
Some insurance policies state they won’t pay out for expenses that would have been free with an EHIC. In addition, many insurers will waive the excess (usually £50-£100) on claims for medical treatment if you have used your EHIC.

[Buenchico]

Private healthcare isn't covered under the EHIC arrangements in any country. You need to ensure that you're using the state-provided system.

Click on 'Health services and costs' here:
http://www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/Healthcareabroad/countryguide/Pages/healthcareinSpain.aspx

Insurers won't normally cover pre-existing conditions, so I'm unsurprised that your insurer won't pay out if your OH needs treatment for his lung condition. If there is any insurer that might consider offering cover they'll certainly charge a higher premium (since they're taking on a bigger risk). This specialist broker can probably advise you:
http://www.able2travel.com/

[Peter Pedant]

Hi Me

which insurance is that ?

I have always long concluded that I was un-insurable - cancer and lymphoma in remission

[237SJ]

PP - try goodtogoinsurance for your pre-existing conditions. If you want to exclude them (many companies won`t let you exclude conditions nowadays) try Insureandgo