The EHIC was instituted in order to provide the card holder with cover for any ‘necessary’ medical treatment in a State provided institution whilst travelling within any participating European country.

However, it is not insurance and should not be thought of as such.  It is not a replacement for comprehensive travel insurance.

It will not cover you for lost luggage, travel delay, missed departure or cancellation, repatriation, private ambulances, personal liability, legal expenses, scheduled airline failure or treatment in a private institution and such like, that are found on a typical comprehensive travel insurance policy.

So why have one?

One advantage of using the EHIC is that generally any excesses found under the medical expenses section of a travel policy are waived and most insurers prefer to deal with medical expenses that fall within the terms of the Reciprocal Health Agreement unless they specifically agree otherwise.

Related Article: Common Misconceptions regarding the EHIC