Question about form E111 for european travel

[Flibbertyjibbet]

I just went online to get form E111's for me, dp and 2 children aged 4 and 5.
I need to put in our National Insurance number. Thats ok for me and DP but what about the children? I looked in their red book and there is a 'health' number there but its a totally different format to our NI numbers so I'm a bit thrown.
Is there somewhere I get an NI number for my children? Should i already have them? Have I lost them (eeek), or what on earth do I do to get E111s for small children?

Any help appreciated. Dp said last night 'oh I hope you haven't left it too late'... he who just starts doing HIS OWN packing about 20 mins before the airport taxi comes and then spends the whole outward journey asking did I remember to do this and pack that and ARGGHGHGHH!!!

(Which reminds me.. must book the airport parking as well!!)

I vaugely remember from doing the kids that it's their NHS numbers you use. They should be in the red books.

Surely the doctor surgery could give you their NHS numbers - and they wouold be on the NHS cards??

The direct gov website says you need either NHS number or National Insurance number.

I don't think you get an NI number until you are 16?

I was told the NHS number issued at the birth was the one to use.

thanks everyone I am going to do it now with their NHS numbers out of the red books.

And then dig out dps NI number from somewhere deep in the dreaded tax returns folder

You can do it on your NI number.

The E111 form no longer exists; its been replaced by the EHIC form.

This may be helpful to you in terms of applying for the EHIC. Hoeever, you'd be better off buying a comprehensive travel insurance policy instead as it would give more cover anyway than the EHIC.

www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/Healthcareabroad/EHIC/Pages/Applyingandrenewing.aspx

The EHIC DOES NOT COVER:-
all your medical costs
private treatment (generally not covered)
repatriation to the UK.
Remember: overseas state-provided healthcare may not cover things you receive for free on the NHS.

EHIC does NOT mean you?re insured!
You will still need appropriate insurance to ensure you are fully covered for all eventualities.

Remember: few EU countries pay the full cost of medical treatment, even under the European Union?s healthcare arrangements.

You still need sufficient travel insurance to cover healthcare costs

Actually it is wise to have BOTH the EHIC and comprehensive travel insurance. If you are in a reciprocating country with the EHIC you can get healthcare free at the point of delivery (provided you use the NHS equivalent, not a private doctor) to the equivalent a local person would. If you only have travel insurance you have to liaise via the insurance company and usually pay up front. Both forms can work alongside each other, use the EHIC for initial contact and travel insurance for any more complicated stuff.

Also EHIC is limited - it only covers consulatation and treatment, not repatriation or compensation for holidays cut short - you need insurance for that.

x-post Attila

We've just had to renew ours and could just state our ni numbers.

Most insurance companies will not pay for things that would be covered by an EHIC, so you need to have both.

you need both. When I had a skiing accident last winter, I went to the local doctor (equivalent of NHS), who asked me for the EHIC card. I had to pay about £100 which I then got back from my insurance. I seem to remember my son's card has my NI number on it.

Good point, JustAnother, I should have remembered that.

I had a skiing accident a couple of years ago - had to be stretchered down the mountain to the resort medical centre. I was only able to get immediate treatment without payment because I had my EHIC card in my pocket - had been tipped off to keep it on me while skiing in case of an accident. Really glad I did! Had to have xrays etc which could have been pretty pricey.