Migrants at risk of European Health Insurance Card treatment refusal

As the financial noose tighten on public heath services across the European Union, would-be expats and even visitors are being warned their Health Insurance Card won’t guarantee treatment.

Whether you’re an expat resident or a friend or family member visiting overseas in an EU member state, you risk being turned back at customs if you don’t have private health insurance along with your EHIC card. Expats under retirement age already resident in France and Spain are required to have private health insurance if they are not in employment.

A recent survey indicated that around 50 per cent of Brits living abroad believe the EHIC card covers them for free medical treatment and don’t purchase independent health insurance policies as a result. Those planning to move abroad to take advantage of better weather and a more relaxed lifestyle may not be aware of the growing need for private health policies.

The reason for the EU-wide crackdown is that medical treatment is often very expensive, with government cutbacks due to the recession leading to a reduction in funds used to provide care for nationals. The issue becomes even more complicated outside the UK, with popular expat destinations such as Abu Dhabi requiring sight of a comprehensive policy with a licensed provider before entry to the emirate is allowed.

Australia has the same rules, and several other countries are attempting to follow suit, although OZ immigration is not putting non-insured visitors back on the plane as often as its Abu Dhabi equivalents. Dubai, formerly committed to the same policy, dropped the idea back in 2008, but other emirates may well be considering its introduction.