URGENT - going to Spain today - do I need an E111 form (already got travel insurance)????

[puff]

I heard an ad on the radio this morning about this. Apparently you need an E111 form (available from post offices) for travelling to Europe. If you need medical treatment (although I already have travel insurance sorted) then you need one of these.

I'm confused - travelled to Europe loads before without this form.

Can anyone advise?

yes i'd say to be on the safe side, or look into ur insurance to see what it covers - mum and dad just came back from spain yesterday and had both.

You should get one. It only takes a few minutes though.

i'd get one. you need one for each person, i seem to remember reading on a leaflet.

Yes you do - it guarantees you medical aid should you need it. You need to get it stamped at a Post Office before you can take it with you

Its changing soon & then you will need to name each person travelling. I think at the mo it covers a group / family

mum had to do for each person the one per family's been phased out, apparently we'll all be having cards in future.

Should say that to get the form you ideally need a national insurance number or nhs number for each member of your family.

They are being replaced by cards. I know a few people who've got them already.

You are suppsoed to, otherwise if you are ill you'll need to claim on your travel insurance and that has an excess. You may also have to settle the bill up front and argue it later, especially iof they charge for treatment which could have been free under an E111. With E111 you get emergency treatment either free or for a subsidised amount , some of which you can reclaim. In practice you may get away with it anyway, if you have passport or are on a package within EU - they may just assume you have it.

You can apply at a PO (most airports have one) but not sure if they still issue on the spot. You can print off the form here . Don't think the system has changed but the imminent introduction of European Health Insurance Cards is highlighting how many people are travelling without an E111 atm.

hth

I have a card and you just need your Nat Ins No to get it, but the paper one stamped by PO will do for now until they send you it.

It entitles you to medical treatment (in listed countries) and is nothing to do with your insurance. If you need medical attention urgently it can save a lot of messing around.

Oh and have a great time in Spain Puff !

Thank you lovely people .

Enjoy Spain puffy

thank you ML