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EHIC card and Brexit


Bulletguy

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aandy - 2018-10-31 12:15 PM

 

From what I've heard on various radio consumer programmes, it seems to me that where problems arise it is most often because the insured has not fully understood the terms of the policy.

 

I'm sure that's right, I nearly did a BOGOF with the Halifax until I found that the value of tools insured would hardly pay for an electric drill. On top of that some people are not entirely honest in their claims and the insurers are trying to pick those out, as you can tell when you deal with the loss adjusters.

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aandy - 2018-10-31 12:15 PM

 

Muswell - 2018-10-31 11:06 AM

 

In my experience of insurers they have all been excellent at dealing with: musical instrument theft, burglary, water damage and vehicle theft and we were fully reimbursed on all occasions with no argument. But they were all reputable companies and not some sort of BOGOF deal.

 

 

I had a similar and entirely satisfactory experience when, following a breakdown in France, I had to use the "BOGOF" policy included with my bank account. Cover provided by LV/Britannia on exactly the same terms as I would have had if I'd insured with them direct.

 

There is nothing disreputable about the companies providing this sort of cover but, as with any standard 'off the shelf' product, it is essential to ensure that it is suited to the individual's needs.When comparing my "BOGOF" travel insurance with a policy that a friend had bought direct from the insurer, we found that mine was more comprehensive than hers. From what I've heard on various radio consumer programmes, it seems to me that where problems arise it is most often because the insured has not fully understood the terms of the policy.

 

I was fully aware of what the terms of the insurance were and I had gone into great detail with the insurer advising of my pre-conditions and medical history. This was not the first time/year I had made use of NW's travel insurance offer. As we were intending to be out of the country for significantly more than 30 days I had paid a premium for extended duration.

 

The insurer's representative was given sight of a year old specialists report which I had not seen. He latched onto a casual comment within the report and put a totally incorrect spin on it - to the obvious advantage of the insurance company. His comments took me totally by surprise as my GP had not even shown me the specialist's report. There was absolutely nothing I could do in France apart from getting somewhat agitated during the telephone conversation.

 

In my opinion many insurers will try their utmost to avoid a claim and the words 'professional ethics' does not enter their minds. Indeed I suspect at these early stages one is simply dealing with relatively inexperienced and unqualified staff who are encouraged to kick as much as possible into touch.

 

I have spent much my life writing (and wripping apart) contractual legal documents. Towards the end of my career I was involved in several major litigation cases providing special witness advice. As such I believe I have a reasonable ability to understand insurance company's terms and conditions certainly more capable than the average lay person.

 

I actually still use NW's travel insurance for my overseas/European travel but also ensure our EHIC cards are up to date.

 

In my opinion the EHIC is a godsend to the elderly traveller or those with any significant pre-existing conditions. I will be very sorry if it is not retained post BREXIT but given the pathetic manner in which this matter is being dealt with I suspect we can kiss it goodbye.

 

PELMETMAN's comments on the EHIC not being perfect may be correct but the article he refers to relates to the conditions in Spain in 2013 and my understanding (based on an acquaintances recent experience - and he should know as he is a GP! ) is treatment in that country is now near perfect.

 

BULLLETMAN The specialist knew nothing of the financial/insurance background I have mentioned above she was simply being very incredibly helpful to an elderly couple in pretty amazing circumstances. My rescue, treatment and recovery defy belief. Several of the Sapuers involved in my rescue even visited us in their own time several days later to wish me a speedy recovery Not that I was fully able to appreciate it being still covered in sand having sprung every rib and a punctured lung I was not overtly communicative. However such actions makes one appreciate how naturally kind and considerate most people are despite of race, creed or colour. I often reflect on it when reading some of the BREXITEERS comments both here and elsewhere.

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jak - 2018-10-31 5:50 PM

 

PELMETMAN's comments on the EHIC not being perfect may be correct but the article he refers to relates to the conditions in Spain in 2013 and my understanding (based on an acquaintances recent experience - and he should know as he is a GP! ) is treatment in that country is now near perfect.

 

 

I have no complaints about the Spanish system, as I had to use it last year when I broke a rib helping a tugger get his van on to a pitch......his Swift caravan grab handle proved unable to stand up to my physical strength 8-) .........

 

That said......I doubt any country who currently receives 18 million tourists a year from the UK will be keen to do anything that might jeopardise that cash flow ;-) ........

 

Just to add........The UK currently has reciprocal health agreements with lots of countries who are not part of the EU or the EHIC, so I'm confident they'll arrange something similar to the EHIC.........

 

I suspect it'll be called the ........EHIC card :D ...........

 

 

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jak - 2018-10-31 5:50 PM

 

BULLLETMAN The specialist knew nothing of the financial/insurance background I have mentioned above she was simply being very incredibly helpful to an elderly couple in pretty amazing circumstances. My rescue, treatment and recovery defy belief. Several of the Sapuers involved in my rescue even visited us in their own time several days later to wish me a speedy recovery Not that I was fully able to appreciate it being still covered in sand having sprung every rib and a punctured lung I was not overtly communicative. However such actions makes one appreciate how naturally kind and considerate most people are despite of race, creed or colour. I often reflect on it when reading some of the BREXITEERS comments both here and elsewhere.

Couldn't agree more with that Jak.

 

My faith in humanity was restored three years ago when i fell badly in the garage at home. I knew something wasn't right as i couldn't stand up yet when i looked, my leg seemed perfectly ok. I struggled to get back in the house but knew i'd have to to get to my phone.

 

I was due to look after a neighbours kitten the following day but knew i'd not be in any fit state and phoned to tell her i'd be going to the doctors in the morning (no idea how i'd have got there as i couldn't stand up let alone walk!).

 

She told me to phone for an ambulance immediately but i didn't feel it was that necessary. She disagreed and told me she was coming across to make sure i did phone them telling me "if you don't...i will!" Even the Paramedics agreed my leg appeared "normal" but insisted i had it X-rayed at hospital.....where it showed three breaks.

 

My neighbour cooked me fresh meals each evening and brought it over until i eventually got myself 'sorted' but her kindness literally overwhelmed me and is something i will never forget. Some people really do care whilst others couldn't give a flying fig. She works full time, yet two other neighbours like me are retired and never once offered help.

 

Apologies for going off thread topic....but agree wholeheartedly with what you said.

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But Brian, it isn't an Amazon quirk, it happens in quite a lot of areas in our life in France. Don't get me wrong, I love the life we lead here in SW France, and we have lots of friends of many nationality, including French, but as an American client of mine used to say, the 100 years war hasn't ended yet.

 

My comments are intended to put forward my contention that we were never in the Common Market. We were never able to influence any of the things that are really wrong with the EU, and our membership was seen as a easy way to relieve us of our hard earned wealth (however modest). They found it easy to exploit the bizarre manner in which our civil servants appeared blind to the reality that we were the only nation that tried to live by the rule book. Ask yourself why there are no British built cars used by the governments of the other EU nations, but the UK appears to have taken them from pretty well all the other EU countries. Ask yourself why we almost never encounter UK registered trucks on the roads of Europe, but EU registered trucks are swarming all over the UK. Why can I not legally receive UK television and some other UK media, but I can, of course, get Dutch, German, Spanish Etc., over the internet. Do I need to go on?

 

I have been travelling around Europe since the 1960s, and I have never had any problems or significant delays when crossing borders, and I cannot imagine that any EU nation will want to make my life more difficult in the future. I have had friends living in most of the EU countries,and beyond over the last 50 years and they do not seem to have found it too difficult, so I do not anticipate any significant problems in the future.

 

It is my opinion that we only ever had a paying in book for the EU and Germany's ambition to have a European Empire, and after all the problems that we have suffered as a consequence of Germany's ambitions over the past 100 years, I think the EU should have been better than that. More democratic, more enlightened, more accountable for their actions, and more willing to put aside their quest for national advantage regardless of the cost or consequence for others.

 

So am I off topic Brian?, or am I entitled to point out to people that their rose tinted spectacle view of the EU that we are leaving may be just that, and perhaps a little more thought about all that is involved might enable them to see that they are looking at these forthcoming events from the wrong perspective, and then they can start to think more constructively about what needs to be done and how we might cope with it.

 

As an aside, for those of you that might think we've got it made here in SW France, the weather is awful, it's cold and wet, and having just paid for the fuel for the wood stove, and received the estimate of the cost of our electricity for next year, it costs more to run our little 2 up 2 down ( but very nice) little house in the back of beyond in SW France than it did for the 5 bedroom detatched house in Berkshire that we lived in, oh, and the local taxes are about the same .

 

I think we deserve better, and I think we should apply all our energies to rebuilding our nation, not contiually banging on about how we might have to join the queue to cross a border, or make a visit to the Mairie every 3 months. Coincidently,our Mairie is next door to the boulangerie where we buy our daily bread, and have an occasional coffee with friends, across the square from the Tabac, and 5 doors from the bank. I dread the thought of having to make another trip every 3 months.

 

AGD

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Archiesgrandad - 2018-10-31 6:30 PM...………………..So am I off topic Brian?, or am I entitled to point out to people that their rose tinted spectacle view of the EU that we are leaving may be just that, and perhaps a little more thought about all that is involved might enable them to see that they are looking at these forthcoming events from the wrong perspective, and then they can start to think more constructively about what needs to be done and how we might cope with it...............….AGD

To the extent that the topic is the EHIC card and Brexit, and that it is in the Motorhome Matters section of the forum, I think it is off topic. I should like to reply to your post (which would take quite some space! :-)), as you raise many thoughtful points, but am reluctant to do so on here lest the whole string gets relocated to "Chatterbox" - to the disadvantage of those seeking EHIC information.

 

My "off topic" comment was not intended to suggest that you don't have a perfect right to express the views you hold, just that, much as I would like to reply, I feel this string is the wrong place to do so. Apologies.

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jak - 2018-10-31 5:50 PM

 

aandy - 2018-10-31 12:15 PM

 

Muswell - 2018-10-31 11:06 AM

 

In my experience of insurers they have all been excellent at dealing with: musical instrument theft, burglary, water damage and vehicle theft and we were fully reimbursed on all occasions with no argument. But they were all reputable companies and not some sort of BOGOF deal.

 

 

I had a similar and entirely satisfactory experience when, following a breakdown in France, I had to use the "BOGOF" policy included with my bank account. Cover provided by LV/Britannia on exactly the same terms as I would have had if I'd insured with them direct.

 

There is nothing disreputable about the companies providing this sort of cover but, as with any standard 'off the shelf' product, it is essential to ensure that it is suited to the individual's needs.When comparing my "BOGOF" travel insurance with a policy that a friend had bought direct from the insurer, we found that mine was more comprehensive than hers. From what I've heard on various radio consumer programmes, it seems to me that where problems arise it is most often because the insured has not fully understood the terms of the policy.

 

I was fully aware of what the terms of the insurance were and I had gone into great detail with the insurer advising of my pre-conditions and medical history. This was not the first time/year I had made use of NW's travel insurance offer. As we were intending to be out of the country for significantly more than 30 days I had paid a premium for extended duration.

 

However such actions makes one appreciate how naturally kind and considerate most people are despite of race, creed or colour. I often reflect on it when reading some of the BREXITEERS comments both here and elsewhere.

 

My post was not aimed at you but at the implication in Muswell's comment that the companies providing cover included with bank accounts are somehow inferior to others. I worded my final sentence as I did specifically to make clear (I thought) that it was meant in a general sense and not directed at anyone on here.

 

I'm not sure what you intended by your "BREXITEER" reference, but it would be ludicrous to suppose that opposition to the EU implies a dislike of Europe or its people.

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witzend - 2018-10-31 11:44 PM

 

Every ones writing this but I'm wondering who they think is bothering to read it this was a good motorhome forum till Brexit took it over

 

 

Agreed. I know I've thrown in my two penn'orth but had it been posted in chatterbox, where it belongs, I wouldn't have read it and so wouldn't have been suckered into joining in.

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Brexit has taken over every forum from motorhomes to underwater Polo! No good sticking your head in the sand, especially if you ticked the "Leave" box. The EHIC card as has been proved on this thread is a vital service for motorhomers regardless of if you have insurance or not which we have also seen is often no guarantee that you will not end up in a world of pain and I don't just mean physical.

 

Same goes for free movement and the three month Schengen Rule, same goes for the declining exchange rates, possible visa requirements and maybe even driving licences. Brexit for sure is going to make motorhoming more difficult on the continent for all of us, especially long termers, getting annoyed about it because you caused it and hoping it will go away isnt going to fix that. Without a single exception I reckon across the social media platform those that have complained about Brexit related posts will be "Leavers". Time to face up to the reality of your actions I am afraid.

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aandy - 2018-11-01 8:21 AM

 

witzend - 2018-10-31 11:44 PM

 

Every ones writing this but I'm wondering who they think is bothering to read it this was a good motorhome forum till Brexit took it over

 

 

Agreed. I know I've thrown in my two penn'orth but had it been posted in chatterbox, where it belongs, I wouldn't have read it and so wouldn't have been suckered into joining in.

Except it doesn't hence the reason i opened the thread with the line "This isn't for Chatterbox as it is an important issue and relevant to all mh'ers who enjoy touring in Europe."

 

That the EHIC card is linked to the current political situation is unfortunate but impossible to discuss without mentioning the "B" word. I fully expected it would bring the usual dismissive remarks such as 'just more Remoaner scaremongering' but Motorhome people do need to be aware of what may be lost if we aren't careful as it seems ministers aren't too bothered about the EHIC. It's no good burying our heads in the sand.

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Bulletguy - 2018-11-01 10:31 AM

 

aandy - 2018-11-01 8:21 AM

 

witzend - 2018-10-31 11:44 PM

 

Every ones writing this but I'm wondering who they think is bothering to read it this was a good motorhome forum till Brexit took it over

 

 

Agreed. I know I've thrown in my two penn'orth but had it been posted in chatterbox, where it belongs, I wouldn't have read it and so wouldn't have been suckered into joining in.

Except it doesn't hence the reason i opened the thread with the line "This isn't for Chatterbox as it is an important issue and relevant to all mh'ers who enjoy touring in Europe."

 

That the EHIC card is linked to the current political situation is unfortunate but impossible to discuss without mentioning the "B" word. I fully expected it would bring the usual dismissive remarks such as 'just more Remoaner scaremongering' but Motorhome people do need to be aware of what may be lost if we aren't careful as it seems ministers aren't too bothered about the EHIC. It's no good burying our heads in the sand.

 

 

It's obviously a matter of opinion, but I believe it does. We have all known from the outset that there is a possibility the EHIC will be lost, but the article does not tell us anything useful and contains nothing more than politically motivated speculation.

 

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My wife and I both have medical histories that mean that travel insurance is expensive. Fortunately there is a company who run a travel insurance policy called EHIC Plus that only pays out for health services not provided for under the EHIC scheme. This reduces the premiums by about 70%!

 

We have quite limited means and with all the uncertainty surrounding the future of the EHIC scheme we are loathed to book a foreign trip until it is sorted out what is going to happen next March.

 

- If we book something and get travel insurance with EHIC plus, we risk not being properly covered after March.

- If we use another travel insurance provider we risk wasting a shed load of money on travel insurance we could have got much cheaper through EHIC plus.

- If we wait and see, we'll not have cancellation insurance and risk ending up with a horribly large unexpected bill for travel insurance.

- if don't book the holiday until after March, the flights will probably be much more expensive

 

The EHIC Plus website skirts around the issue of what happens after March and basically says you are covered (at the moment).

 

We just want this whole unholy Brexit mess sorted as quickly as possible.

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Barryd999 - 2018-11-01 10:02 AM

 

Brexit has taken over every forum from motorhomes to underwater Polo! No good sticking your head in the sand, especially if you ticked the "Leave" box. The EHIC card as has been proved on this thread is a vital service for motorhomers regardless of if you have insurance or not which we have also seen is often no guarantee that you will not end up in a world of pain and I don't just mean physical.

 

Same goes for free movement and the three month Schengen Rule, same goes for the declining exchange rates, possible visa requirements and maybe even driving licences. Brexit for sure is going to make motorhoming more difficult on the continent for all of us, especially long termers, getting annoyed about it because you caused it and hoping it will go away isnt going to fix that. Without a single exception I reckon across the social media platform those that have complained about Brexit related posts will be "Leavers". Time to face up to the reality of your actions I am afraid.

 

The Forums Remoaner brigade have stepped up their Scaremongering/bleating early :D ..........

 

It's all us Brexiteers fault B-) ................

 

Cant wait for day 100 (lol) .........

 

 

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phalange - 2018-11-01 3:46 PM

 

i'm still waiting for somebody to come up with a 'brexit benefit'

 

Annoying Remoaners :D .......

 

That's a joke BTW ;-) ........

 

 

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malc d - 2018-11-01 3:54 PM

 

phalange - 2018-11-01 3:46 PM

 

i'm still waiting for somebody to come up with a 'brexit benefit'

 

 

 

Let us know if you hear of anything.

 

 

;-)

 

They cant hear anything.........positive ;-) ..........

 

As Remoaners have selective hearing *-) .........

 

 

 

 

 

 

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phalange - 2018-11-01 4:01 PM

 

still waiting? *-)

 

Taking back control of £350 million pound a week ;-) ........

 

:D ........

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phalange - 2018-11-01 3:46 PM

 

i'm still waiting for somebody to come up with a 'brexit benefit'

 

It would appear that some benefits are already happening, there is a downturn in immigration from the EU, this appears to have resulted in low unemployment and increasing wages.

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colin - 2018-11-01 4:16 PM

 

phalange - 2018-11-01 3:46 PM

 

i'm still waiting for somebody to come up with a 'brexit benefit'

 

It would appear that some benefits are already happening, there is a downturn in immigration from the EU, this appears to have resulted in low unemployment and increasing wages.

 

Remoaners don't want to hear the positives Colin *-) .......

 

They want to wallow in Doom & Gloom :D ........

 

 

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