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OT: EHIC

Posted by Barry on 2014-08-13 07:01:38

Just to clarify for Nick: everyone in the UK has free at source healthcare (except for cost of prescriptions, which are subsidised a little, and dental care).  This is financed from National Insurance contributions (a percentage of wages) and general taxation.  Visitors to the Uk from anywhere used to be able to access this service free but I think that, in recent times, hosptals have started charging for people from outside the EU (due to healthcare 'tourism').  As such, there isn't an 'insurance card', you just give your NI number.  Of course, it is also possible to buy separate private insurance, such you talked about foir Germany. In Ireland, there is a totally incomprehensible system that is a sort of mixture of the German/Dutch systems, with a bit of the British system thrown into the mix!  50% of the population also buy private cover (we do), which is relatively cheap by German standards.  From what I've seen, the type of cover provided by credit card suppliers is not very comprehensive and I wouldn't like to rely on it.

Followups:

OT: EHIC by Barry on  2014-08-14 03:58:11