If you are travelling to Europe this Easter, make sure you pack form E111. Available from post offices, this entitles travellers to free medical treatment in a European Union country if they fall ill or have an accident - as long as the country they are visiting has signed a reciprocal arrangement for health services.
Many holidaymakers travelling to Europe use the E111 form instead of buying travel insurance. But make sure you know exactly what E111 will cover you for. It may be a good idea to have both.
In some countries, such as Switzerland, Cyprus and Turkey, you are not covered by E111 at all. In those where you are the terms of the reciprocal agreements vary considerably. Some countries will require you to pay for treatment upfront; in others, treatment may be free or at a reduced cost.
Outside the EU another 21 countries offer emergency medical cover to travellers with E111 forms. These include Australia, Barbados, the Czech Republic, Malta, Poland and Russia.
Each participating country offers overseas visitors the same emergency medical cover it would give its own citizens. The same applies for foreigners visiting Britain. The form, which should last for life, also covers spouses and dependent children up to the age of 16 (or 19 if they are in full-time education).
However, extra travel and accommodation expenses and any repatriation costs are not covered. Neither are common holiday hazards such as cancellation or your bags being stolen. This is why it is important to have travel insurance as well.
Even though travel insurance may be more comprehensive, it is still worth getting form E111 because you may not have to pay for treatment upfront if you have it. You could also be saved the bother of dealing with the paperwork required in an insurance claim. Some insurers will even waive the medical excess if you have an E111.
Different countries vary in their willingness to accept the form, so do not take no for an answer. France and Germany have a good record, Spain less so. You may be asked to back it up with proof of UK residence and your NHS medical card so take those with you, too.
E111 forms are available free from post offices in Britain. You can fill in the form on the spot and cashiers will stamp it to validate it. You will need your national insurance number and your passport.
Getting reimbursed for money you have spent while under the protection of an E111 may not be so easy, however. Reclaiming from the DSS could take months, and you will need proof of all the money you have spent.
The road well-travelled
If you change address, you should obtain a new E111. You should apply for an amended E111 when any dependent children leave school. And you will need a new one if you use it to obtain treatment and it is not returned to you.
Keep a photocopy of your E111 form with the original as some countries require both. You will be given back your E111 but the photocopy will be kept. However, in some countries the original may be kept by the authorities.
Pupils on school trips should be included on their parents' E111 and should take the original form with them.
Form E111 will not cover you for free or reduced-cost treatment if you are going to another EU country specifically for medical care, or if you require treatment for a pre-existing condition. For this, you will need an E112 form, which is not issued automatically but requires authorisation from the Department of Health.
E111s may be open-ended but doctors in some countries demand a form renewed that year.
A leaflet, Health Advice for Travellers, available from post offices, details which countries are covered by the E111 scheme. Or tel 0800 555777 for a copy.
