How do I get European travel insurance?

In order for you to get European travel insurance and make it worth it - you need to obtain an E111 form. This is available to most of the residents of Europe and the UK. In the UK you can get it at all post offices directly over the counter. Once you have completed it and validated it, your Form E111 will provide you with proof you are allowed to get reduced cost or even free emergency medical treatment in countries in the EEA.

The EEA is the European Economic Area, which consists of the 15 current member states of the EU - which will be 25 if all of the countries permitted to enter in 2004 actually do so - plus Liechtenstein, Norway and Iceland. Should you be in one of those countries and need to be treated due to a medical emergency, you can expect treatment with the same terms as ordinary residents in that country.

You may be wondering how much this form costs. Well, due to the wonders of pan-European reciprocal cooperation, the Form E111 is free. All you have to do is fill it in, then hand it back at the post office so it can be signed and stamped. Once this is done, you will have a valid form for use, which means that you and your dependents (which means your wife and children up to the age of 16 (or 19 if they remain in fulltime education)). As soon as your children become ineligible, they should apply for forms of their own.

You should remember that the Form E111 does not mean you are entitled to free treatment. It is simply that you are entitled to whatever emergency treatment would normally be provided to the state to their own residents, and at the same cost. Different countries have different government-provided treatments. This treatment may not be what you may expect to receive should you be in the UK.

Should you change your address or any information that was on the Form E111, then you must obtain a new Form E111 for it to be legitimate. You should make a copy of your E111 form and keep it with the original at all times. This is because many countries, such as Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain and France will need to keep the photocopy as proof of you being eligibility for treatment.

Wherever you travel within the EEA you should have your form with you. Most people keep it with their passport for this purpose. To help you out further, you should take the time to research the government health facilities in the area you plan to visit so you are aware of what you might expect.

© AskFinancially.com 2008

Travel Insurance

Insurance & Loans

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How do I get European travel insurance?

© AskFinancially.com 2008

Travel Insurance

Insurance & Loans

Copyright