malhão

hello, I need help on a particular item. <BR>As you may know, whenever a EU citizen goes ( for vacation or whatever reason ) to another EU state, and if he is employed, he has the right to ask for a specific document in the social security, in order to have free (or almost free) medical assistence if needed. I always ask for this paper, but, fortunately, I never had to use it. But even if I had to use it, how should I do ? simply present it in the hospital ? or present it in the social security ? or pay the bills and ask for a refund later ? <BR>can you give me a help ? ( note, social security wasn´t able to give me a precise answer )

Myriam

When I (Belgian) needed medical assistance in Ibiza some years ago I presented the document you refer to as well as my "Eurocross" assistance card (issued by our Belgian health insurance) but unfortunately the private hospital didn't know neither of them. So I paid the bill and with the invoice of the hospital and of the drugstore my health insurance refunded me almost the total amount after I got back home. <BR>I don't take these documents/cards anymore ever since.

Sheila

I too have never had to use it, but my understanding is you just present it to the doctor/ hospital/ dentist and the healthcare costs you the same as it would a country national.

Cathy

Malhao <BR> <BR>What you are looking for is an E1 11 Form issued by the Health Authority of your own country - this is the form used for emergency medial assistance for people visiting another EU country. However I would suggest that you contact that European Commission Office in your own country (usually located in the capital city) and they will be able to give full details on your rights and entitlements <BR> <BR> <BR>Cathy

Alec

I've made use of E111 form a few times in the rest of Europe while holidaying. Talking about UK citizens, when you get your form from post office, it comes with a booklet detailing procedure for getting free or subsidised emergency medical treatment in EU and some other countries. Regulations vary for each country, and frankly, for some countries (e.g. Greece, Italy, Spain) the procedure is so bureaucratic that it isn't worth the bother (I always take out travel insurance as well). In the Netherlands, when my son sprained his ankle, I took him to a local hospital and showed the form, and he was treated free there and then. In Germany, unless it's a genuine emergency, you first have to contact a local sickness insurance office (Krankenkasse) with your E111 and obtain a settlement form (Abrechnungsschein) and then go to a doctor who operates under the insurance scheme (most do). Again treatment is free. You can get free emergency dental treatment in the same way (for which they'll issue a recording form - Erfassungsschein). I had some prompt and very efficient treatments there (for which I'd have had to pay in UK). <BR>You can get a UK version of E111 regulations at: http://www.doh.gov.uk/traveladvice/index.htm and click under 'Getting Treatment'.

malhão

thanks for your help, hope we never have to use the E111, but once again thanks for your help!