European Health Insurance Card vs travel insurance: key differences before travelling

Travelling abroad is one of the most enriching experiences we can have. However, many people still think that the European Health Insurance Card is enough to be fully protected during their holidays.

The reality is that there are very important differences between the European Health Insurance Card and travel insurance, especially when we talk about medical assistance, cancellations, repatriations, or problems outside the European Union.

Before packing your bags, it is worth understanding what each option actually covers and why having travel insurance can prevent significant financial and health problems.

What is the European Health Insurance Card?

The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) allows access to public healthcare in certain European countries under the same conditions as citizens of the country you are travelling to.

This means that:

• There may be copayments.
• Some treatments may not be covered.
• Private healthcare is excluded.
• It does not cover rescues, repatriations or cancellations.

The EHIC is valid in:

• European Union member states
• Iceland
• Liechtenstein
• Norway
• Switzerland

You can check all the official information on the website of the Social Security.

What does travel insurance actually cover?

Travel insurance offers much broader protection against the most common problems that can arise during a holiday.

Depending on the policy taken out, it may include:

Private medical assistance abroad

Especially important in countries where healthcare is very expensive, such as:

• United States
• Canada
• Japan
• Switzerland

In some destinations, a simple hospitalisation can run into thousands of euros.

Medical repatriation

One of the most important and least known aspects.

If you need to return to Spain due to illness or an accident, the cost of repatriation can be extremely high without insurance.

Trip cancellation

Many insurance policies allow you to recover expenses if you have to cancel due to:

• illness
• hospitalisation
• employment issues
• justified family reasons

Lost or stolen baggage

They can also include compensation for:

• lost luggage
• delays
• stolen documentation

24-hour assistance

Most travel insurance policies include 24-hour telephone assistance and international medical coordination.

Main differences between the European Health Insurance Card and travel insurance

So the European Health Insurance Card is not enough?

It depends on the destination and the type of trip.

For short breaks within Europe it can be a significant help, but relying solely on the EHIC can leave many risks uncovered.

For example:

• high medical expenses
• hospital admissions
• rescues
• air ambulances
• cancellations
• loss of connections
• robots

Furthermore, outside of Europe the European Health Insurance Card is simply not valid.

When is it especially advisable to take out travel insurance?

There are situations where taking out travel insurance is especially advisable:

Travel outside Europe

Especially to:

• United States
• Asia
• Latin America
• Africa

Family trips

A medical issue on a family holiday can quickly multiply the costs.

Cruises

Healthcare costs at sea are usually very high.

Extreme sports or activities

Skiing, surfing, hiking or water sports may require specific cover.

Flights with layovers or long-haul flights

It increases the probability of baggage and connection incidents.

Travelling with peace of mind is also part of the holiday

When we organise a trip we usually compare hotels, flights or activities, but we often forget to assess the economic impact that an unforeseen event abroad can have.

Having adequate travel insurance not only helps protect your health and your wallet, but it also brings peace of mind to truly enjoy your holiday.

At PIB Group Iberia we have an expert team in travel insurance ready to advise you personally on choosing the best insurance for you. Contact us at PIB Group Iberia for personalised advice without obligation.