Get an EHIC card for Xmas travel

THE EUROPEAN Health Insurance Card (Carte Européenne d’Assurance Maladie) is a must-have for anyone heading to the UK, or any other EU country.

Since 2004, the CEAM has replaced the old E111 form, and gives non-residents the same health access as locals.

The card is only valid for a year and every member of the travelling party – including young children – has to have one. You need to apply for the CEAM at least a fortnight before your departure date. If you have online access to www.ameli.fr you can request the card there by logging in and going to the “Vos demandes” section.

Alternatively you can get the card from your local Cpam. No documentary proof is needed – the card will be issued automatically assuming you are registered there. If you have left it too late, the Assurance Maladie can issue a provisional certificate that lasts three months.

If you are taken ill and need to go to a doctor, pharmacy or hospital while on holiday, you will not have to pay anything, or anything you do pay will be reimbursed by that country’s social security fund.

If you forget the card and need medical attention, or you use a private doctor or forget to ask for a refund while there, you should get your medical costs reimbursed by the Cpam on your return, but you must keep all your receipts. Refunds will be based on the French reimbursement rates.

The Assurance Maladie recommends you check how much cover your mutuelle gives on foreign healthcare.
It says top-up medical insurance is important to cover unexpected costs.