HIVE Information centres support the chain of command and Tri-service communities through the provision of up to date and relevant information.

ARE YOU AOK?

MANY countries within Europe have a reciprocal health care arrangement with the Department of Health (DOF1) UK , where, if you have the relevant paperwork an
individual can receive medical treatment abroad, which is then charged back to the
UK Government.

Germany also has a shared health care agreement with the UK, which allows UK citizens living in Germany to gain access to a variety of healthcare treatment using a series of E forms, in particular an E106.

Whilst serving members of the Forces community and their families have unlimited access to the BFG healthcare service, there are other members of the community that are not entitled to that service.

Most are familiar with the E111 form, allowing Free emergency medical treatment to any UK citizen travelling within Europe .
However, if you are currently living and or working in Germany and you do not come under the umbrella of the BFG community, individuals may need to apply for an E106 form.

Major Bob Newnham, G1 Medical Branch, UKSC(G) said:

“The E106 enables individuals to receive Dental, primary and community care and hospital treatment as you would in the UK which is similar to NHS service and standards. The Department of Work and Pensions will issue a certificate, which allows the individual or members of that individual‘s family to go and register with a German provider — once the E106 is obtained, individuals need then apply for an AOK insurance card.”

Once issued, the AOK Insurance Card allows British citizens to use German registered Healthcare providers and more recently the card has now become valid throughout Europe .

Forces personnel and their families are not entitled to use this system and therefore must use the BFG Healthcare Service only.

“It must be pointed out that people registered with AOK need to be registered with a German Doctor in order to gain referrals to hospital - BFG Medical Centres can not refer them “Added Major Newnham.

If individuals are unsure of their status, they should check with their employer to find out what type of medical cover they are entitled to or to apply for.

The Department of Work and Pensions has a website where people can formally apply for an E106, it also covers the criteria for eligibility.
For posted workers visit www.dwp.gov.uk or www.ir.gov.uk. Alternatively you can write to:

Department of Health and Social Security
Overseas Department
Tyneview Park
Whitley Road
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE
NE98 1BA

For AOK information in the Rhineland area you can telephone 0800 0326 326 for details of the nearest AOK insuring office. Do note however, the service may not always have an English speaker available.
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