EHIC CARD

[Hymie]

TE="Minxy Girl, post: 2812038, member: 149"]For the sake of a little bit of hassle and small premium you'd rather risk a HIGH financial hit????? ... That could be quite an expensive trip if you have to use your own financial resources ... sometimes it can cost many, many thousands of pounds ... more than a your average new motorhome!

I don't understand that at all! [/QUOTE]

I beg to differ, I don't call 1549 quid a small premium, especially with a 31 day travel limit, when my general health is very good, I call it daylight robbery.

I had 2 TIA's followed by a stroke almost 5 years ago, from which I have been 98% recovered for over 4.5 years, I have been diagnosed with borderline Crohn's disease and was recently diagnosed with early onset type 2 diabetes.

I personally, although not medically trained, do not think I am in danger from the odd bout of flatulance or the occasional dribble running down my chin, as for the stroke, having had one carotid artery replaced and the other having had a thorough scouring I am probably less at risk of another than a heck of a lot of people.

We have both discussed at length our plans if the worst should occurr, chuck me in a cardboard box, burn me and spread the ashes in the Med, I could care, I'll be dead, our kids and families are aware of our wishes.

The life insurance will pay to fly the kids out for a quicky funeral.

Insurance companies have the right to charge whatever they wish, and we have the right to travel however we wish, and will continue to do so.

Much better to die doing something you love rather than cowering at home, afraid to travel, surely?

Hymie

 

[Hymie]

I am sorry for your health condition, I hope your gamble pays off and you enjoy your holidays. I am not sure your family and friends will thank you for the financial and emotional mess that will occur when eventually a health incident occurs.

By the way my wife does have a pre existing condition and we do pay a surcharge for it, but the peace of mind it brings means we are prepared should the situation require it.

It's not a gamble, it's a calculated risk.

Hymie

 

[Minxy]

I beg to differ, I don't call 1549 quid a small premium, especially with a 31 day travel limit, when my general health is very good, I call it daylight robbery.

I had 2 TIA's followed by a stroke almost 5 years ago, from which I have been 98% recovered for over 4.5 years, I have been diagnosed with borderline Crohn's disease and was recently diagnosed with early onset type 2 diabetes.

I'm actually surprised you can get insurance at all! The price you're being quoted for it reflects your situation and risks, take it or leave it (as you are doing) but it doesn't mean they are 'robbing' you!

I personally, although not medically trained, do not think I am in danger from the odd bout of flatulance or the occasional dribble running down my chin, as for the stroke, having had one carotid artery replaced and the other having had a thorough scouring I am probably less at risk of another than a heck of a lot of people.

Its not the 'little' stuff though, its the major stuff that MIGHT happen, hence your risks are obviously still viewed as being on the high side, especially with the newly diagnosed diabetes which is actually a serious condition although people don't realise it, probably because we get used to 'hearing' about it.

We have both discussed at length our plans if the worst should occurr, chuck me in a cardboard box, burn me and spread the ashes in the Med, I could care, I'll be dead, our kids and families are aware of our wishes.

But what if it's not the 'worse' ... the most likely scenario is that you would need extensive hospital treatment, not that you'd pop your clogs ... that's where the expense comes in ... or are you suggesting that if you get a splinter in your finger your t'other half has permission to knock you off to save the cost or having to treat you?

The life insurance will pay to fly the kids out for a quicky funeral.

... and who's gonna have to sort it out, along with the financing of it etc ...?

Insurance companies have the right to charge whatever they wish, and we have the right to travel however we wish, and will continue to do so.

Indeed you do but we don't have to 'understand' your decision to take the risk.

Much better to die doing something you love rather than cowering at home, afraid to travel, surely?

... alternatively pay the premium to ensure you have travel cover and go away and not worry about it ... or stick to the UK etc.

 

[stewartwebr]

[QUOTEJust out of interest, what sort of event would result in £1M claim?[/QUOTE]

Surprisingly, most cases are not associated with direct medical treatment costs but around repatriation. You can imagine the expense associated with the chartering of an air ambulance and associated advanced medical support team (up to 8 people at times) to provide support during the journey. Then the additional airport costs associated with bringing ambulances onto the airside and transfer to a local hospital, again this may need a medical team within the ambulances. The most common of this kind of transfers are around spinal injuries, head injuries and probably the most common being severe stroke patients. It takes a bit to get your head around it as we are used to the NHS covering everything. When you see the invoice of charges and its down to a level of detail where you can see the airport parking charges for the medical team, an itemised list of every piece of medical equipment used, right down to each swab used it really is frightening.

 

[TCG]

Simple chest infection while in Alaska on a cruise... $1700 bill thank god for insurance

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[Southdowners]

[QUOTESurprisingly, most cases are not associated with direct medical treatment costs but around repatriation. You can imagine the expense associated with the chartering of an air ambulance and associated advanced medical support team (up to 8 people at times) to provide support during the journey. Then the additional airport costs associated with bringing ambulances onto the airside and transfer to a local hospital, again this may need a medical team within the ambulances. The most common of this kind of transfers are around spinal injuries, head injuries and probably the most common being severe stroke patients. It takes a bit to get your head around it as we are used to the NHS covering everything. When you see the invoice of charges and its down to a level of detail where you can see the airport parking charges for the medical team, an itemised list of every piece of medical equipment used, right down to each swab used it really is frightening.

I thought this might be the case.

When I had my ski-ing accident we had skied over to Switzerland from France. The accident occurred in Switzerland so I was helicoptered from the slopes there to Avoriaz in France where we were staying and where there was a clinic. Literally everything was billed - the skidoo from slopes to helicopter, from helicopter to clinic, from clinic to our apartment. Every dressing used, every drug used... literally everything was on the bill. I dread to think what the bill would have been as an in-patient.

As it happened they did such a poor job on realigning my arm that 6 weeks later (in the UK) it had to be re-broken and re-set with titanium plates. They didn't even do a good job for £15K!

 

[Hymie]

>>>Indeed you do but we don't have to 'understand' your decision to take the risk.<<<

Where did I ask you to ''understand' anything? Pray tell me do!

I made a statement about our choices, I wasn't aware I asked for or needed your understanding.

Hymie

 

[Podney]

Fact: Whatever your age,whatever your medical history,something nasty an accident or an illness can get you.
Fact: If you are abroad when it happens you may need expensive health treatment,or repatriation,dead or alive.
Fact: If you are very wealthy,and could stand a cost of,say, £50000, then you may decide to “self insure”.
Fact: If you are not very wealthy and are not insured and you are ill, you may end up completely financially xxxxxx.

 

[normanandsue]

It's not a gamble, it's a calculated risk.

Hymie

Please explain difference esp. in relation to the number of bankrupt gamblers.

 

[Puddleduck]

£897 for a 28 day trip, I think not!

My Brother-in-law and his wife paid over £3000 for insurance for a trip to NZ, out via Middle east and back through USA. He needs continuing treatment (which he pays for as he goes as it is not covered by insurance), his wife has health problems as well. Travel without insurance was not an option for them as things can go pear shaped fast and without warning. The risk is reflected in the premium paid and not all eventualities were covered in the specialist policy. Luckily they did not have a claim and the following trip the insurance was less (same provider) as the risk was considered less.

I
Another story, some people I know we're on a cruise ship holiday , one of them fell ill and had no insurance , she thought she would have been okay as she thought it was a British ship. It was registered in the USA. Total bill £60K. They had to have a whip round for her .

If going on a cruise than specialist cruise cover is vital. Cruise companies (well the ones we have used) ask for your insurance details including policy number and ins co emergency phone numbers in advance. No insurance = no go. We are going in a couple of weeks and have "cruise cover" which will cover evacuation from the ship (think of the cost of helicopter costs if you have to be airlifted). Cruise companies are very fast to disembark passengers who are unwell along with any travelling companions. Strangely this time it is Martin who incurred the additional premium because of his stent. Usually I have additional premiums but as it has been more than 5 years since I had treatment and was deemed to be "cured" no additional premium this time and my ongoing stuff was covered anyway.

You only know how good your insurance is when you come to claim so I hope we never find out.

I did have one claim many years ago when I was pushed over (mugging attempt but I fell on my bag so the thief was foiled. My glasses were smashed (luckily I carry a spare pair) but I got a new pair when I got home, over £200 (complex prescription) paid for by the insurance with no quibble.

Many people forget about insurance within the UK. If you live one end of the country and are ill at the other your treatment will be paid for (good old NHS) but what about getting home? I am thinking about serious injury such as spinal where car travel would not be an option. I am not sure the NHS would pay for a transfer, you would probably need private ambulance.

When we were on our trip last weekend there was a fatality on the train and a private ambulance met the train. I wonder who paid for that?

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[Puddleduck]

Fact: Whatever your age,whatever your medical history,something nasty an accident or an illness can get you.
Fact: If you are abroad when it happens you may need expensive health treatment,or repatriation,dead or alive.
Fact: If you are very wealthy,and could stand a cost of,say, £50000, then you may decide to “self insure”.
Fact: If you are not very wealthy and are not insured and you are ill, you may end up completely financially xxxxxx.

Your choice.

 

[Larrynwin]

My travel insurance through bank account with Lloyds is underwritten by Axa and covers us for cancellation or curtailment up to £5k, Emergency medical, accommodation and travelling costs up to £10m plus other benefits on attached image.
Following return home on Thursday they have telephoned to check if all ok and requested my claim for further expenses re travel etc.
For me an excellent policy which is part of a benefits package with bank account.

 

[joka250]

It seems to me that several comments imply that because one is fit it is a calculated gamble to avoid travel insurance. Perhaps one can learn from the experience (widely reported) of footballer Fabrice Muamba formerly of Bolton Wanderers while playing against Spurs . Sudden cardiac arrest in a young, strong and very fit man. Heart effectively stopped for approx 1 hour, multiple defibrillations, induced coma for more than a week in I T U and much more besides that possibly not reported. How much would that cost in Spain or France? Think about it.
Fabrics I believe now back to good health but not able to play (I believe) also would add I had the privilege of meeting him, lovely man and lovely family.

 

[Podney]

Your choice.

Sorry I don’t understand “Your choice” in this context. Please elucidate. Thanks.

 

[Puddleduck]

Sorry I don’t understand “Your choice” in this context. Please elucidate. Thanks.

I was agreeing with your post - that those are the facts and it is the travelers choice whether to risk needing insurance and not having it or paying an insurance company for a policy.

Sorry I was not clear

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