Travel will be on many people’s minds at this time of year and friends and family will be visiting Spain’s resident British community. The majority of British people will be aware that one can claim back most of your treatment and medication costs if you fall ill or have an accident in Europe. That's as long as you carry an E111 form which entitles the holder to any medical treatment that becomes necessary during a temporary visit. All you need to do is present your E111 to the hospital or doctor who is treating you and you will be entitled to the same treatment as residents of the country you are visiting - for free or at reduced cost.

Who is eligible?
You're eligible to use an E111 only if you are a UK resident. Your E111 is only valid for as long as you remain a UK resident. The time has come to stop using your E111 if you are living in Spain – the cross checking of databases by the authorities is becoming increasingly easy and you could receive a hefty bill if found out.

Who is covered?
E111s are now issued on an individual basis and are no longer available to family groups. All individual travellers are therefore required to carry their own E111 - regardless of age. However, you will only need to complete a single application form in order to receive E111s for you, your spouse / partner and children.

Changes to E111s
As a result of recent changes to European law, a new E111 form has been introduced to replace the old one. If you are planning on travelling in Europe during 2005, you should apply for a new E111 as those issued before 19 August 2004 are only valid until 31st December 2004. Your new E111 form will be valid until 31st December 2005. During the course of 2005 the UK will be adopting the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). You can apply for an EHIC now by ticking the relevant box on the new E111 application form. Your EHIC will then be posted to you automatically in 2005, prior to the expiry of your new E111 on 31st December.

The new E111 form and the booklet "Health Advice for Travellers" can be obtained from any Post Office branch in the UK.

Useful information
Only state-provided emergency treatment is covered. You generally won't be covered for private treatment. Keep a photocopy of your E111 with the original. The leaflet, 'Health Advice for Travellers', is available from Post Office branches in the UK and details the countries covered by the E111 scheme. The safest advice is to take out additional travel insurance to ensure that any treatment not covered by the E111 does not have the potential to bankrupt you and your family.

© Sleepwell Marketing S.L.. 2005 – All rights reserved.

Information courtesy of Marc White LL.B. (English Solicitor) - Visit homepage

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