Spending holidays in Europe, we have the right to healthcare if we have an EHIC card. But what if we go to Great Britain, Turkey or Egypt? Will European insurance allow access to a doctor in the event of an accident?
EKUZ, i.e. the European Health Insurance Card, is a document entitling to health services in the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland and Great Britain and in overseas territories (Azores, Madeira, Majorca, Canary Islands, etc.). The card allows you to obtain medical assistance on the same principles on which the inhabitants of a given country use it, i.e. not necessarily free, but necessary in the current health.
EHIC in Great Britain works like in the EU
The United Kingdom, although it is no longer in the structures of the European Union, honors the EHIC cards of citizens of the member states. From January 1, 2021, two documents are governed by the right to health care: exit agreement and cooperation agreement (commercial), which specify the status of both the inhabitants of the United Kingdom and the EU:
- The output agreement applies to people who were in the so -called cross -border situation, i.e. Polish citizens in Great Britain and the reverse situation (UK citizens staying in Poland),
- The cooperation agreement covers Polish citizens who live and work here, Great Britain citizens subject to British insurance.
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If we are temporarily in the United Kingdom, we can use the EHIC on the same terms as in other European countries. We will receive the necessary help at NHS (National Health Service), which is made up of family doctors (GP), clinics (NHS Walk-in Centres) and hospitals. The patient does not bear the costs for visiting a GP or specialist care in an outpatient basis and hospital treatment, but a flat -rate fee is paid for dental services.
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Türkiye does not honor European insurance
Türkiye is a well -known and liked holiday destination, but The European Health Insurance Card is not recognized in it. According to information for travelers issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, health care in this country is largely private, and a medical visit can cost even over 100 USD. Hospitals most often have signed contracts with insurers, hence the only way to avoid medical care is to buy a tourist policy for the sum of min. EUR 50,000 (Ministry of Foreign Affairs recommendation for travelers).
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is currently reborn traveling to 30 km from the border zone with Syria, as well as non -necessity trips to the districts of increased internal risk, e.g. Diyarbakır, Batman, Hakkâri, Van.
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To Egypt only with a tourist policy
Just like in Turkey, Unfortunately, eHuz is not honored in Egypt. The quality of medical services is not the same everywhere, so we can find both reputable clinics with a good service standard and public facilities, where the level of care deviates from this in Europe. Travelers are recommended caution and observing increased hygiene rules to avoid gastrointestinal problems that can be very burdensome.
All tourists, unless they want to pay high amounts for medical assistance, should have tourist insurance, which will cover e.g. high costs of hospitalization or treatment of chronic diseases. If you plan to play extreme sports, e.g. diving with specialized equipment, it is worth checking if the policy will cover accidents related to such activities.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is advising against traveling in Egypt to the Government of Sinai North and to areas at the border with Libia and Sudan. Particular caution is recommended throughout the country.
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With the EHIC card you can recommend on Cyprus and Malta
Cyprus and Malta are countries where access to healthcare will be possible for EKUZ card holders. In the case of Cyprus, the card is not honored in its northern, Turkish, part. We will obtain medical assistance in public facilities, but for a visit to a GP or specialist we will pay a few euros (EUR 6 and 10, respectively). Treatment costs in Cyprus are high, so next to EHIC it is worth having additional insurance.
In Malta, EKUZ operates the same as in other European countries. Free benefits in hospitals and medical centers and hospitalization itself, unfortunately, dental care is most often private and payable. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs recommends the supply of a tourist policy in this country, which should cover the costs of treatment to a greater extent than EHIC insurance.
The popular EHIC does not guarantee free treatment
Last year, the National Health Fund issued 3 million eHuz cards. We are increasingly aware of the benefits of having such a document, but not everyone knows that sometimes treatment abroad will be associated with additional costs. EHIC does not cover planned treatments, and a tourist will often have to pay for medical help if there are such rules in the country.
If we are going on vacation outside Europe, the basis should be a tourist policy. Correctly high sums of insurance and extension will provide not only efficient medical care, but also help in returning to Poland.
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