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HIVE Information centres support the chain of command and Tri-service communities through the provision of up to date and relevant information.
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THE EUROPEAN HEALTH INSURANCE CARD (EHIC) WHICH WILL REPLACE THE E111 THE CHANGE As of 01 September 2005 the system used by the Dept of Health for the provision of NHS agreed standards of health care within Europe is provided through the European Health Insurance Card, which superseded the E111. There is a transition period, which has been set as 01 - September 2005 through to 31 December 2005. THE EUROPEAN HEALTH INSURANCE CARD (EHIC) The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) became live, replacing the E111 as of 01 September 2005. This document is required by all UKSC(G) personnel should they travel to any European Country beyond that of their resident station. For example: personnel stationed within Germany will require the EHIC to provide Healthcare Insurance as they travel through Holland, Belgium and France to get to the ports in order to return to the UK. Personnel stationed in Belgium will require the EHIC should they travel anywhere within Europe outside of Belgium . The EHIC application packs are already available at all Forces Post Offices. The Forces Post Offices also provide a visual step by step guide to the completion of the application form. The Dept of Health have informed UKSC(G) that applications are estimated to take up to 21 days to be processed. Enquiries regarding applications that take longer than 21 days should be directed to EHIC Enquiries on 0044 191 203 5555. You can also apply on-line by visiting the Department of Health website at www.dh.gov.uk It is important to note that the EHIC will not give instant cover upon submission of the application, as was previously the case with the E111 system. If instant cover IS required you can call 0044 191 218 7541 and arrange for a Provisional Replacement Certificate which will cover you until you receive your card. The only cost of the EHIC is that of the first class stamp required to send the application. The card is only valid for 5 years, and holders of the card are advised to note the expiry date. THE E111 AMMENDMENT TO THE INFORMATION AND ADVERTISING CAMPAIGN WITHIN UKSC(G) UKSC(G) embarked upon an information and advertising campaign that informed the community that the EHIC would be obtainable by ticking the box on the back of the E111 application form. It is with regret that the Dept of Health have informed UKSC(G) that not all of the applications for the EHIC submitted by this means will be processed. Some applications have already been successful, some will continue to be processed but the system cannot be guaranteed. To this end, the advertisements within this publication are being amended and most importantly, all personnel are strongly advised that if you are not already in possession of the EHIC, you should apply for a new EHIC at your Forces Post Office using the application packs available.
A SHORT SUMMARY All personnel are strongly encouraged to apply for an EHIC as soon as possible in order to ensure that European Health Insurance is being provided by the Dept of Health whislt travelling outside the country of their duty station. Further information may be obtained from the Dept of Health overseas branch on 0044 191 218 7541 or G1 Med Branch, UKSC(G) on Mil 72-4624. |
