E1 11 card

[Linda51]

If you have an E1 11 card do you need any other insurance when travelling to Europe.

[dzug]

The silly answer is yes because there's no such thing as an E111 card anymore - they ceased at the end of last year.

They are now called EHIC cards.

The sensible answer is still yes:

It is wise to have extra insurance because:

a) EHIC doesn't give free treatment - you pay what a local would pay

b) EHIC is not valid in private hospitals. In emergency you don't want to have to fuss about the status of the hospital the ambulance is taking you to

c) EHIC doesn't repatriate you if the worst happens

[raysparx]

Hi Linda,

The card is not insurance,you need travel insurance, as dzug says how would you get home in an emergency?,travel insurance doesn't cost much,but without it could cost you thousands,I know it is unlikely but belt & braces is better than having your trousers fall down, Ray

[hereicome]

DO NOT EVER go on holiday without travel insurance. I broke my leg and ankle in Greece, was in hospital for 10 days, had an operation and was flown home with a nurse. This was all covered by the insurance company who later told me that without them it would have cost me in the region of �16,000!!!!!!

[knowall]

If you go abroad a lot go for an annual policy. They are loads cheaper - avoid travel agent insurance as it can be quite pricey - we pay about 70 pounds for an annual family policy from Direct Travel - they are on line. Of course you never really know how good a company is until you claim - and we never have up to now.

[spudqueen]

My brothers step daughter broke her neck falling off a rodeo bull whilst on holiday, she was in hospital for weeks and then was flown home with a nurse, but taking up 6 seats or something as she needed loads of medical equipment with her. She was met off the plane by an ambulance to take her straight to hospital in this country. DON'T travel without insurance.