Health insurance and holidays: what I should know
Are your holidays approaching?
Before leaving, I take a few minutes to check that I am properly covered in case of health problems abroad.
Depending on my destination, different procedures may be necessary.
Below, I find:
- the checks to make
- what I should do if I fall ill during my stay
- where to find the right information for my country of destination
What I should check
I am travelling to a country in the European Union, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, etc.
I check that my European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is valid. If it has expired or is about to expire, I order a new one in good time, ideally at least three weeks before my departure.
I did not receive my card on time, or I discovered that it had expired while I was on holiday
I can request a temporary replacement certificate, which serves the same purpose as the EHIC. I can apply for it online, after activating the eDelivery function. The document will be sent directly to my e-space.
Another destination?
Some countries require a specific form, which must be requested before departure (Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cape Verde, Morocco, Tunisia, Turkey).
No specific documents are required when travelling to a country with no agreement (e.g. United States, Japan, China, India, etc.). As medical expenses can be high depending on the country, I am looking into additional insurance.
What should I do if I have a health problem abroad?
If I need medical care during my stay, coverage depends on the country where I am.
I always keep all supporting documents (original invoices, prescriptions, certificates, reports or other useful documents).
On my return, in order to be reimbursed by the CNS, I make sure to send the original invoices with my identification number, a note explaining the treatment received, and valid proof of payment (signed invoice or payment notice).
For more information
I can find more details by clicking on the appropriate button.
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