I have valid EHIC card, but can't find it -can I travel?

Question

I'm panicing. We are going to France from UK this pm and I can't find our EHIC cards. They are still valid however.

We have private medical insurance that covers us abroad, so I'm thinking we'll be OK.

I remember that with the Old E111 forms, you didn't have to take the think with you, it would still work. Will we be OK?

My daughter has a nut allergy, so a hospital visit is possible - aagghh!

Answer 1

If you lose your EHIC, or it's stolen in the UK, you should apply for a replacement card:

    * by phone - call the EHIC Enquiries Line on 0845 605 0707, or 0845 606 2030, or

    * by post.

If you're abroad when your EHIC is lost, or stolen, you can wait until you get back to apply for a replacement. However, if you need medical treatment while you're away, you'll need to apply for an EHIC Provisional Replacement Certificate from the Department for Work and Pensions (see 'useful contacts' in the 'further information' section). If necessary, someone else can apply for this certificate on your behalf.

If you need to call the EHIC Enquiries Line from outside the UK, the number is [phone].

Answer 2

Your private travel insurance should cover you, but check with the insurers.

Your EHIC card will only cover you to use public hospitals, so If you are staying next door to a private hospital but the nearest public hospital is a 3 hour drive away you wont be able to use the private hospital next door. Its always best to make sure your own insurance is adequate as overseas medical is extremely expensive. For example an airlift to hospital if you aren't covered can cost £60,000+ and there is now way of getting around paying for it