EHIC Physical Card Required?

[Shicky]

Hello all,

the missus and I are planning to disappear to Portugal for 4-6weeks next week, unfortunately though she had been adamant her EHIC was up to date, it is in fact not.

I've already made her renew but there's no guarantees it will arrive on time. I was wondering if the physical card is required or you could get away with a photo or the details noted down? That way at least all the finer details are correct and we'd bring the old card as well.

I've had one for years but have never needed to use it and of course we will also get private travel insurance.

 

[Uther]

No idea but the last three EHIC cards that I have ordered have turned up within a week.

 

[Destination]

They tend to turn up swiftly, I wouldn't be without it in Europe.

 

[jimjamuk]

Had this a couple of weeks ago - applied and turned up in 3 days in the week before we went away. If you dont get them there is a number on the site that you can ring if you need it and they will confirm your status in regard to NHS so you will get cover.

 

[Nazbit]

They come within about 10 days. However yes you can be abroad without the physical card (as long as you do hold a valid certificate and just not have it with you) there is a number that you can call and they will confirm the details directly to the healthcare provider that is giving you treatment.

How easy that would be in reality with a language barrier I'm not sure.

 

[englishpremier]

Just make sure that you don't get taken to a private hospital/Doctor. this can be common in Spain, and to a lesser extent France.

Do you have a TravelEX Supercard? It's not the best travel card since the relaunch, but from xx date in September, all holders will be given free 'basic' travel insurance.

 

[geekman]

Not sure about Portugal, but they accepted a photo of mine in France.

 

[helpimcrap]

Guy I went on holiday with broke his collarbone and was taken to hospital in France. He had no card but it got sorted. I think as long as you're registered and can communicate that then you'll be ok.

 

[dowie]

I think I had something like a £2 discount on my travel insurance for ticking the EHIC box... so perhaps just pay a tiny bit extra for coverage without the card if you're pushed for time?