Holidaymakers warned of Spanish EHIC Card Scheme
Holidaymakers are being warned to take care if they need hospital care in Spain as many are finding themselves at hospitals which are refusing to accept the European Health Insurance Card that provides free or state equivalent healthcare in EU countries.
The Telegraph is reporting that tour operators, taxi drivers and even police could be receiving backhand payments to direct tourists to cash-strapped hospitals. Tourists are presenting their EHIC, only for it to be refused and are then presented with a substantial bill.
The European commission has warned Spain that it could take formal legal action such as an infringement procedure if these read more »
One in Ten Holidaymakers Go On Holiday Without Insurance
A new survey by Staysure has revealed that 10% of holidaymakers admit travelling without insurance in the past two years. Meanwhile, one in twenty failed to declare if they had a pre-existing medical condition.
This is despite the fact that older travellers are planning and going on more exciting and adventurous holidays overseas, with safaris and trekking holidays topping the choice of travel plans for over 50s.
Holiday Insurance over 65 can be expensive and difficult, especially if somebody has a pre-existing medical condition. Insurers can sometimes charge expensive premiums or even refuse to cover somebody for their holiday, leading read more »
Insurers Denying Holidaymakers Who Cancel For Sick Relative
Insurers are reportedly refusing to pay insurance out for people who need to cancel their holiday at the last minute to care for a sick relative.
Consumer group Which? Found that it was one of the most common reasons to have a claim rejected among its 870,000 members.
Many had failed to declare a pre-existing medical condition within the family such as cancer or a heart problem. Having a close relative with an illness is a considered a greater insurance risk, therefore insurers are likely to charge more for cover.
Other issues for having a claim rejected were not reporting a loss or theft to the police within 24 hours and if a lost or read more »
Some Spanish Hospitals Refusing to Accept European Health Insurance Card, Report says
A recent report by the International Travel Insurance Journal has investigated allegations that some hospitals in Spain are refusing to take the European Health Insurance Card.
The EHIC is designed to entitle British holidaymakers to state healthcare at a reduced cost or sometimes for free in countries that are part of the European Economic Area Countries.
In Spain, public hospitals offer treatment free of charge and Spanish public hospitals are obliged to accept the EHIC but there are claims that some holidaymakers were forced to provide travel insurance or credit card details to cover medical costs after their admission.
Experts have read more »
UK Weather Driving Brits Abroad
The number of Britons seeking hot and sunny weather abroad has increased again this year, according to high-street travel company Thomson. It comes as no surprise after the severe flooding across the country and the declaration that April to June was the wettest on record to date.
Thomson has reported a 20% increase in holiday searches online compared to the same period last year, with popular destinations including Spain and Greece.
Victoria Bacon, head of communication at Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA), said:
“The UK is a beautiful country with exceptional holiday appeal but the weather this year has been setting records read more »
Leave a comment »