EHIC help!

collisster · 19 Dec 2010 at 21:52

I'm going on holiday skiing on the 1st of january but cannot for the life of my find my EHIC!
I've looked all over the net and there is a number to call, gave it a go and it's all automated!
I tried online and it says i cannot continue because I've already got a valid card.
If i'm abroad then i can ring for a temporary replacement but cannot do this in england i dont think.

If i get travel insurance for skiing will it cover hospital and doctors costs and therefore nullify the need for an EHIC card? Or is there anything else i can get to not need the EHIC incase I can't sort one out in time?

Thanks
Martin

Charlie Bravo · 19 Dec 2010 at 22:33

From the EHIC site...

What happens if I lose my card?
If you lose your card, call the EHIC Enquiries Line on 0845 605 0707. If calling from abroad +44 191 212 7500.

collisster · 19 Dec 2010 at 23:03

Thanks, I have read that and think i know what to do regarding the actual card.
I am more enquiring about some kind of travel/health insurance that covers me for skiing so I wont need an EHIC

Stringy · 19 Dec 2010 at 23:47

collisster said:
Thanks, I have read that and think i know what to do regarding the actual card.
I am more enquiring about some kind of travel/health insurance that covers me for skiing so I wont need an EHIC

Don't panic fella, do you think people that lose their card while on holiday are left to die in the streets? It's just a card, I'm sure it will be fine if you need medical treatment (famous last words)

collisster · 20 Dec 2010 at 00:49

i'm not too worried about when i'm there its just i need to have it with me or work will not let me travel

Jono · 20 Dec 2010 at 08:41

I wouldn't go skiing without specific winter sports insurance. Ever.

If something bad did happen, you'd get treated but they wouldn't have any obligation whatsoever to get you home. If, for some reason you got injured in such a way that the only way home was by helicopter... I wouldn't want the bill for that.

alx · 20 Dec 2010 at 10:19

Jono said:
I wouldn't go skiing without specific winter sports insurance. Ever.

If something bad did happen, you'd get treated but they wouldn't have any obligation whatsoever to get you home. If, for some reason you got injured in such a way that the only way home was by helicopter... I wouldn't want the bill for that.

This....for the sake of £30-50 it's not even a consideration - deal every time.

Freefaller · 20 Dec 2010 at 10:43

Agreed with Jono especially for skiing. For the sake a small premium for a yearly or even holiday only cover it's worth every penny.

Whenever I went on skydiving or skiing holidays abroad always got myself a decent amount of insurance cover. It's just not worth not doing it... sure 99% of the time you won't have any issues - but why chance it?

collisster · 20 Dec 2010 at 12:07

just found out that to get travel insurance i need an EHIC

Liquidfox · 20 Dec 2010 at 14:03

You'd be surprised, Czech hospital would do nothing without seeing my EHIC.

Berserker · 20 Dec 2010 at 14:19

collisster said:
just found out that to get travel insurance i need an EHIC

I don't believe that's true - I've never had an insurer ask for one. On the other hand, I wouldn't travel without in Europe because that's just when you need it. I wouldn't do winter sports anyway but absolutely wouldn't without specific cover. It's asking for trouble.

Turn your place upside down until you find it. It's a pain but I've been there.

Jono · 20 Dec 2010 at 14:28

I lost mine before going on holiday earlier this year. I rang up and asked for a replacement. I had it 3 days later.

Berserker · 20 Dec 2010 at 14:42

Normally, that'd be what I'd suggest too, but the postal system is broken so 3 days is unlikely.

collisster · 21 Dec 2010 at 17:48

I gave them a ring and they've given me a phone number to call if i need medical assistance once I'm there because my current card is still in date. They are also sending a new one round