Retiring abroad- EU Health Insuarnce
Members of EU national health schemes travelling within the European Economic Area (EEA) currently benefit from the E111 system, which allows visitors to other member countries to use the public health care sector on the same terms as a local resident.
From 1 June 2004, the E111 system will work with the new EU Health Insurance Card scheme, replacing current paper forms.
What are the main differences between the E111 and its replacement, the EU Health Insurance Card?
The extended rules will maintain most elements of the existing E111:
- The scheme only covers short-term stays.
- The card will not give access to local 'private' treatment, except in those countries where locals themselves have access under the public scheme.
- Expats resident in other EU countries will not be covered by schemes from their 'home' countries.
There are also important changes to be aware of:
- E111 forms included the whole family but in future each member of a family will need to have their own EU Health Insurance Card, once these are issued nationally.
- The scheme will be extended to provide all covered visitors with not only emergency care but also necessary care. This means non-emergency care will be provided if it is appropriate to a patient's condition and intended length of stay.
Which countries will this affect?
The E111 system applies to the whole of the European Economic Area (EEA) which consists of the 15 member states of the European Community - including the UK and Ireland - as well as Iceland, Lichtenstein and Norway. Switzerland is not included. In May 2004 ten new countries will join the EU and in theory will immediately adopt the same system.
What kind of treatment will be covered by the EU Health Insurance Card?
As with the existing E111, any emergency treatment you may need while visiting member countries will be covered. In addition, the extended scheme will allow for 'necessary' treatment.
'Necessary' treatment consists of medical treatment which is appropriate to your condition and length of stay. You will not qualify for treatment for something that you are already on the waiting list for in your home country, or if the treatment you need can reasonably wait until you get home after your planned visit.
If I have a new EU Health Insurance Card, do I also need private travel insurance?
The UK government recommends everyone should have the E111 to which they are entitled but stresses that everyone should also take out suitable private cover for their travel abroad. This is because the E111 system, whether using forms or cards, is necessarily limited to public scheme rights which can be unfamiliar and incomplete.
To avoid the confusion of trying to work out the public healthcare system of the country you are visiting in advance, especially if you are visiting more than one in a trip, it is more reassuring to have health insurance that also gives 'private treatment' options and repatriation cover in the countries to be visited.
It is also highly recommended to take travel insurance to cover loss of baggage, passport and any delays or liabilities that may occur.
How do these changes affect expats?
As with the current E111 system, expats who become resident in other EU countries will not be covered from their home country and so will not be able to use a card issued from there.
Depending on their country of origin and the public entitlements of the country of residence, expats often prefer to take out an international health insurance policy to provide healthcare peace of mind. With an international health insurance policy expats will be covered everywhere (within the region specified on their policy) and medical expenses will be settled in a straightforward manner.
It is important to note that the EU Health Insurance Card scheme will not be a replacement for buying travel insurance, or international medical insurance outside the EEA. Nor will it cover expats as they travel from country to country, unless they qualify for a new card issued by their EEA country of residence.
