Is it safe enough?

[Whatnext2018]

My parents are due to fly out to stay with us in two weeks. Uk to Portugal.
Mum is late 60’s dad is early 70’s
They seem to have no worries about this and just want to see us. I’m desperate to see them also but can’t help but worry, would you feel safe with your parents flying at this time?

@NewnameOldposter Yes I think they do, do you know what that covers them for?

Oh yes you would get the bill alright. I have seen it happen.

You’d need to be absolutely certain of what the European health card would get you (it’s not brilliant in every country) but that doesn’t cover repatriation etc. I had time abroad as part of my university course and they absolutely drummed it into everyone they must have insurance and expected to see it before allowing the trip. This is so important knowing that people with Covid are ending up on ventilators. That sort of care is not cheap. It would be lose your house sort of costs.

This is really worrying me now, they’re desperate to see their baby granddaughter and for a break away I assume, I totally get it, but am surprised they’re not thinking of any of this 😬

EHIC doesn't cover the cost of being flown home.

@GreenPlum but everything else?

www.ehic.co.uk/countries/healthcare-in-portugal/

Ignore the part about the application - unfortunately it's one of those rip off websites that charges, but it gives some detail about what is covered.

If they're competent adults it is up to them to make a decision about whether it is safe for them to fly.

They're crazy to travel abroad without insurance. What if they become ill, have an accident, or even worse pass away? To get them back to the UK by any type of specialist transport will cost thousands.

I find it hard to believe that their bill could be imposed on the OP though, is this true? What if she can't or won't pay?

@HariboLectar Thank you! Ok that seems like it covers most things at least

Well when my son got ill in Poland with an old style ehic it was my sister on law that got the bill because it was she that took him to the hospital an her address that he was staying at. It would be the same for you. Not to mention repatriation which is literally thousands.

I should say that I was lucky enough to be able to sort it with a few phone calls but it was scary for the SIL.

Well bills might be sent to certain addresses, but that doesn't necessarily make the person it is sent to legally liable, whatever the provider implies, if they are not permanently part of that household.

Hmm perhaps you are right but most people take bills to their address, with their names on , quite seriously. It would be sent to the resident person.

Well more fool them. Surely if you get an unexpected bill that has only a tenuous connection to you, you'd double check that it is really your responsibility before paying up?

They need medical insurance. It's insane not to have it. And pp are wrong you can get it and it will cover Covid but it's not cheap. Hopefully they will at least wear masks.