The Pleasure Of Travelling To European Destinations With E111

Have you heard about E111? Nothing to worry if you haven’t heard that yet. However, to put things in the right perspective, it is important to mention that the term ‘E111 renewal‘ is no longer used today. It has been replaced by EHIC (European Health Insurance Card). Having said that, we mean, on January 1, 2006, E111 form went through minor changes and then it was renamed as EHIC.

However, the change was essentially a welcome move with a view to enhancing a cardholders’ experience and convenience of availing medical care and attention in the touring country. The implication of this change has indeed been far-reaching since a cardholder travelling to any country under the European Union becomes entitled to the state provided medical facilities as good as the citizen of that country. As a matter of fact, some treatments have become completely free and the rest treatments are available at a reduced cost.

Highlights of E111 renewal

• Renewal timing: You know what everything on earth comes with an expiry including you and us. Having said that, we mean, you and we are all temporary on this earth. In other words, you must take care of the E111 renewal on time. The card is usually valid for 3-5 years and you must apply for its renewal at least 6 months before of the date of expiry printed/embossed on the card. This enables you to enjoy its benefits without any break. However, timely renewal of this card is always rewarding as experienced by its real users spread all over the European countries.     

• Expenses cover: The main attraction of this card is that you can get treated for your existing as well as new and critical diseases only (such as the dialysis and thrombosis during the tour) at the state-sponsored hospitals/medical facilities) there. It further construes that expenses that you may have incurred for the said treatment at the private facilities are not covered here and thus, those won’t be reimbursed.   

• Types of diseases covered: As we said, you will get treated for every critical existing and new diseases in addition to the accidents. But, the treatment and care that can wait are not covered here. For instance, your dental care and treatment aren’t included here. The best part here is that you don’t need to go back your home country for those critical treatments mentioned above compromising your travel plan. At the same time, people suffering from critical diseases too can take up touring in the European countries taking this card to his side.     

• Renewal process: You can either apply online or offline based on your location. For instance, people from UK, Switzerland, and other European Economic Area (EEA) can apply for renewal online while the rest has to follow the offline route.  

All those put together indicates that E111 renewal deserves your attention and planning in advance without which you may not even get the benefits of your travel insurance. The onus to mention that many travel insurance companies deny paying the medical bills in the absence of this card. However, you should know that an E111 card doesn’t replace your travel insurance. It means you must apply for this card on top of your travel insurance.