In this issue of Wanderlust magazine

May 2013 issue • On sale from 18 April

Grab your passport and pack your bags the new issue of Wanderlust magazine is here! Pick up your copy and start exploring…

...Peru: from Lima to Machu Picchu, the Andes and beyond, we take a tasty food tour with a distinct Latin flavour.

...37 World Class Walks: we reveal the best walks in the world. Warning: guaranteed to give you itchy feet.

...The Maldives: hop on board a fishing boat to discover the people and culture beyond the tourist resorts.

PLUS: Follow in the footsteps of a travelling pioneer in Switzerland, take the Royal Mail ship to St Helena, enjoy a wild camp in the UK then become an instant expert on Los Angeles, Nova Scotia and Mount Fuji and more. 

Click here to subscribe and receive a FREE £50 travel voucher.


May 2013

Subscribe here >>>

Latest

Related

Flickr_AlexEProimos_TheStethoscope.jpg

EHIC: do you know what you're entitled to?

2nd May 2012

A survey has revealed that more than half of British travellers wrongly believe that a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) entitles them to free emergency medical care anywhere on the continent

A survey from Gocompare.com has revealed that many British travellers are confused over what a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) does and doesn't include. Of the 2,000 surveyed, 57% thought that a EHIC entitled them to free healthcare anywhere in Europe; 2% thought they didn't need travel insurance with the card and 14% had never even heard of it. So where can you use a EHIC and what does it entitle you to?

The EHIC is valid in all countries in the European Economic Area; this includes 27 countries plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. If you have an accident  or suddenly become ill, it means that with a EHIC, you'll receive the necessary state-provided medical healthcare at reduced cost, or sometimes free. However, levels and cost of care given varies from country to country.

For instance, in France, travellers are expected to pay up front for a consultation but will be reimbursed up to 70% of the cost later. In Belgium, travellers could be reimbursed up to 75% for a doctor's consultation but could be expected to pay the full cost of an ambulance if it was required.

It is important to know that a EHIC does not include: all your medical costs, private treatment or repatriation to the UK. 9% believed that owning a EHIC entitled them to free transport back to the UK but in reality, without insurance it could cost you a whopping £5,000 to get back to the UK from Austria with a broken leg for instance.

The British Foreign and Commonwealth Office therefore advises that EHIC holders should still take out comprehensive travel insurance.

More like this

Boring but essential, travel insurance is one travel staple you shouldn't scrimp on. Here's our buyer's guide | Advice... More

Get great cover with InsureandGo Wander Subscribers can save 10%! | Insurance... More

One in five Britons travel without insurance | News... More

8 reasons to take out travel insurance | Inspire me... More

Next

You must be logged in to leave a comment. Login or get more from Wanderlust - register today!

 Your Comments (2)

  • 3rd May by ElliFry

    Hm...I know it doesn't cover repatriation, and always get insurance. I even guessed that the system was pay first, claim back later. However, I was not aware that it would not be paid back in full! They are marketed to us as entitling us to the same care as we get in our home country - i.e. in the UK everything but prescriptions are free. Did I miss something, or are they misleading us a bit themselves?


    Report as inappropriate

  • 6th May by scheungy

    thanks for clarifying this - lots of people are confused or have never heard of them. My view? Anything like this which is free is worth having but no substitute for good insurance


    Report as inappropriate

Key Facts

  • United Kingdom

    United Kingdom travel guide, United Kingdom tourism and travel information including facts, maps, culture, transport, weather in United Kingdom, and popular pla

  • More Experiences

Destinations

News

select
select
select
select
Departure date:
Open the calendar popup.
Return date:
Open the calendar popup.
Date flexibility:
Spin UpSpin Down
Search

Need some travel planning inspiration?

Simply select the destination you’re interested in or the activities you’re looking for and we’ll send your request to a select panel of tour operators.

Each operator will respond to your request individually. Your details remain private and are not disclosed to any partners unless you decide to proceed with a booking. Enjoy!

Search
Email

Wanderlust in your inbox

Wanderlust sends out regular email newsletters – be the first to know about web exclusives, competitions, hot offers and travel jobs. Register today!

I have read and agree to the Terms & Conditions

Submit