Are you planning a trip abroad? Whether it’s for leisure, business, or education, traveling can be an exciting experience. However, it’s important to take precautions and ensure that you have adequate travel insurance to protect yourself against unforeseen events. One option to consider is blue card travel insurance.
What is Blue Card Travel Insurance?
Blue card travel insurance, also known as the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), is a free card that provides access to state-provided healthcare in the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland. It can be used by residents of the EEA for temporary stays in other EEA countries and is valid for up to five years.
What Does Blue Card Travel Insurance Cover?
Blue card travel insurance covers necessary medical treatment, including treatment for chronic or pre-existing medical conditions, maternity care, and routine medical care for pre-existing conditions that need monitoring while abroad. It also covers emergency dental treatment, but not routine dental care.
However, it’s important to note that blue card travel insurance does not cover private medical treatment or medical repatriation (being flown back to your home country for medical treatment).
How Do You Apply for a Blue Card?
If you are a resident of an EEA country, Switzerland, or a non-EEA country with a reciprocal healthcare agreement with the EEA, you can apply for a blue card online, by phone, or by post. You will need to provide personal information such as your name, date of birth, and national insurance number.
What Are the Benefits of Having Blue Card Travel Insurance?
There are several benefits to having blue card travel insurance. Firstly, it provides peace of mind knowing that you have access to state-provided healthcare in case of an emergency while traveling in the EEA. Secondly, it can save you money as you will not have to pay for medical treatment upfront and then claim reimbursement later. Lastly, it can speed up the process of receiving medical treatment as you will have access to the same healthcare as residents of the country you are visiting.
Is Blue Card Travel Insurance Enough or Do You Need Additional Travel Insurance?
Blue card travel insurance is a valuable addition to your travel insurance but it is not a substitute for comprehensive travel insurance. It does not cover non-medical expenses such as cancellation or curtailment of your trip, lost or stolen belongings, or personal liability. Therefore, it is recommended that you also purchase additional travel insurance to cover these risks.
Conclusion
Blue card travel insurance is a free card that provides access to state-provided healthcare in the EEA and Switzerland. It covers necessary medical treatment but not private medical treatment or medical repatriation. It is recommended to supplement blue card travel insurance with additional travel insurance to cover non-medical expenses.
FAQ |
Q: How long is blue card travel insurance valid for? |
A: Blue card travel insurance is valid for up to five years. |
Q: Is blue card travel insurance valid outside of the EEA? |
A: No, blue card travel insurance is only valid in the EEA and Switzerland. |
Q: Can I apply for a blue card if I am not a resident of an EEA country or Switzerland? |
A: You can apply for a blue card if you are a resident of a non-EEA country with a reciprocal healthcare agreement with the EEA. |