Why travel insurance if I already have the European Health Insurance Card?
I will not get travel insurance. What can possibly happen – I have travelled before, nothing has ever happened; and if I should really need medical assistance, I will have my European Health Insurance Card with me?!
Perhaps someone you know has expressed such an opinion or you have thought so yourself? Indeed, the European Health Insurance Card ensures that you will not be left without primary care while travelling in Europe – this applies to public healthcare facilities. However, such public healthcare facilities may not be readily available in places like ski resorts. Below, you can find out more about when the European Health Insurance Card can help you and why it still makes sense to get travel insurance as well.
With travel insurance, medical care is easily accessible
Medical coverage provided by travel insurance can prove to be a true blessing, even when other types of coverage may not seem essential. Medical care can become very expensive, and in countries like Turkey and Egypt, prices tend to magically skyrocket when it turns out that it is a tourist who needs assistance. The European Health Insurance Card will not help there either, as these countries are located outside of Europe. In such cases you can only rely on insurance.
Health-related claims are the main claims insurance companies have to deal with, and in more serious cases, the amounts can reach five- or six-figure sums. Accidents abroad happen most frequently to younger people, while older individuals are at risk also due to health issues.
When the skis cross during a skiing holiday
The mighty protector of travellers and ramblers has enough on his plate, and everything does not always turn out as planned when you are travelling. You may embark on a skiing vacation, planning to enjoy the snow and breathtaking views, but end up in a hospital due to a little mishap. Ski holidays naturally involve a higher risk of falling and sustaining injuries, which may require the attention of medical specialists and, in worse cases, transport assistance and longer treatment. With the European Health Insurance Card, this may not be available, or you may still have to cover most of the costs.
We have vivid examples of this among our claims. For example, in Italy, a skier fell and injured their shoulder, and the treatment bill amounted to €2,100. A similar incident occurred in Austria, where the injured shoulder also required surgery. The medical costs were slightly over €8,000 In both cases, the medical expenses were covered thanks to travel insurance.
When clouds overshadow a sunshine trip
When heading to a warm destination to catch some sun, you dream of the gentle sound of waves and the caress of sunbeams, while also welcoming the delights and exotic flavours of the local cuisine. Unfortunately, people often suffer from stomach issues on such trips. It is certainly a bitter pill to swallow, even if you manage to avoid hospitalization.
If you take on some exciting adventures in the area in addition to sunbathing and swimming, you may find yourself in unexpected situations that can result in injuries. And injuries can turn out to be expensive ...
Examples of our customers’ claims. The medical expenses of a tourist who contracted a stomach illness in Egypt reached €4,000, while treatment of another person for stomach pain and vomiting in the USA amounted to as much as €25,500. A tourist who fell in Egypt was diagnosed with a fractured wrist, and the arm had to be stabilized with a rod during surgery. Treatment expenses – €13,995. Travel insurance helped cover their medical expenses.
What kind of assistance is available with the European Health Insurance Card?
With the European Health Insurance Card, you can receive primary medical care in case of health issues in EU and EEA countries. To receive assistance, you (and your family members) must present the physical card. You can order the card from the State Portal www.eesti.ee.
You need to keep in mind that medical care will be provided according to the laws of the country you are visiting and in the same manner as it is provided to residents insured in that country. In most cases, you will be responsible for the costs of the consultation fee, medications, hospital bed charges, and transport (if necessary, also back home), as well as any invoices paid in cash to the doctor.
The medical insurance that is part of If’s travel insurance covers such costs, including private medical care.
| What is covered? | European Health Insurance Card | If’s travel insurance |
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Primary medical care in public healthcare facilities
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Consultation fee
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Appointment at a private clinic
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Co-payment for medicines
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Hospital's bed-day fee
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Transport expenses
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Transportation of the injured person back to their home country
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What to consider when getting travel insurance?
You want to enjoy your trip and not worry about things that are hard to even imagine at times, right? Travel insurance can ease your mind. While it may seem that coverage for luggage, travel interruption, or liability insurance are not truly necessary, you shouldn’t overlook health coverage – health is our most valuable asset after all.
If you plan to have an active vacation, for instance, skiing or snowboarding in the mountains, or sailing and diving at a warm destination, remember to check that your planned activities are covered by your insurance. Many sports and recreational activities require additional coverage for high-risk activities.
Pay attention to the following when getting insurance:
- check out the insurance terms and conditions
- consider the specifics of your destination country
- choose coverage appropriate for the nature of your trip and activities
- choose insurance amounts appropriate for the nature of your trip and activities
You can conveniently calculate the price of If travel insurance using the travel insurance calculator and sign the contract easily online or in the If Mobile app. Our insurance app is also a great travel companion – this way, your policy is always at hand, and if something happens, you can also report the claim through the app.
Enjoy your journey! If something happens, we will be there for you.