If you're touring Europe by motorhome, having your health cover sorted is just as important as your vehicle paperwork. The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), or the UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) for UK travellers, is the basic tool for this, but it's worth knowing exactly what it covers and why, in many cases, you need something more. Here it is explained clearly. (Always check the current terms with your health authority.)
What the European Health Insurance Card is
The EHIC/GHIC is a document that entitles you to receive state-provided healthcare during a temporary stay in EU countries (and a few more, such as the European Economic Area and Switzerland), on the same terms as residents of that country. It is free and you apply for it through your national health service before travelling.
What it covers (and what it doesn't)
- It covers the state healthcare you need during your trip (emergencies, necessary medical care).
- On the terms of each country: note that if that country has co-payments or certain services aren't free for its own residents, you'll pay them too. It isn't "everything free".
- It doesn't cover private healthcare, repatriation, rescue costs (mountain, sea), or necessarily an ambulance transfer between countries.
Why you sometimes need extra travel insurance
Because of these gaps, for many trips it's worth having supplementary travel/assistance insurance covering what the EHIC/GHIC doesn't: private healthcare, repatriation, rescue, companion expenses and so on. It's especially advisable if you do higher-risk activities (mountains, sports), take long trips, or head to countries outside EHIC/GHIC cover. Also check what assistance your motorhome insurance provides (see insurance).
Outside Europe
The EHIC/GHIC doesn't apply outside its scope (for example, Morocco, or countries with special arrangements). For those destinations, good travel insurance with medical cover is essential (see Morocco and documentation).
Practical tips
- Apply for your card well in advance (it takes time to arrive) and check it's valid.
- Always carry it with you, along with a copy.
- Consider supplementary insurance depending on your trip and activities.
- Carry your medication and medical documents (see managing medication).
In summary
The European Health Insurance Card covers state healthcare in the EU on each country's own terms, but not private care, repatriation or rescue, so supplementary insurance is often worthwhile. The step to take today: apply for your free card well in advance for your trip around Europe, and consider supplementary travel insurance covering repatriation and private healthcare, especially if you do higher-risk activities or travel outside the EU.