If you are planning on visiting Europe it is vital that you obtain a European Health Insurance Card. Otherwise you might find yourself paying huge hospital bills form European care providers, in case of illness/accident of you Or a family member. Formerly referred to as the E111, the European health insurance cover entitles you to state medical cover either at a reduced rate or absolutely free of charge. The card is valid in 31 EU countries apart from the UK and so many people can get access to this card as long as they are citizens of the EEA or are Swiss nationals.

Also important to note, is that EHIC does not fully cater for the cost of medical healthcare in all EHIC participating countries. Depending on your nationality and circumstances, you may be expected to subsidize part of the payment when hospitalized. This occurs because the EHIC operates under the EU law but various countries have their individual regulations. Before you travel, it is advisable to check first what always apply to the country you intend to visit so that you know your options. If you find that you will not get fully covered by the card, it is wise to invest in another adequate insurance cover in order to supplement the functions of the European health insurance card you are holding.

Some people have to shy away from traveling and exploring the world since they have chronic illness. They do want to go the trouble of looking for medical care while away from home, and they also think the situation will inconvenience those traveling with them. However, this should not be the case if you are a holder of the EHIC card. The card provides health cover towards the treatment of any chronic illness or in the event of an accident while you are touring Europe. For the expecting women, experts usually recommend traveling during the middle trimester. This is because the first trimester is always a delicate time needing attention and the last trimester leaves a woman exhausted and needs a lot of rest. So while on vacation during the middle trimester, an expectant woman can receive maternal checkups if they are holders of the EHIC.  Here is what you will need to fill out in order to renew European health insurance card;

• Your personal details; the form has to include all your personal details including full legal names, address, date of birth, PIN number, marital status and any other relevant details.
• Nationality; this will help to determine what type of treatment you will receive according to the laws governing the country you will visit.
• Number of children; as a parent, you can use your form to apply in behalf of children dependent on you and who are under 16 years of age.

Thus, applying for the card is not a lengthy process. There are some sites offering to apply on your behalf at a fee. But you can apply on your own free of charge from the official EHIC Facebook free of charge.