Most British holidaymakers have heard of EHIC cover, the reciprocal arrangement between different European countries which provides emergency healthcare. There is also a lot of confusion over the scheme and how it works, and much of the confusion hinges on the interpretation of the word Europe. Does it mean European Union, is it a geographical term or does it mean something else altogether? And what will Brexit mean for our EHIC cover?

European Economic Area

We’ve all heard of the EU, but there is another European organisation called the European Economic Area, often abbreviated to EEA. This is a trading group which includes all the countries which are in the European Union, plus Switzerland, Norway and Iceland. EHIC cover applies across the EEA and not just the EU, so if you have a traffic accident in Norway or get hurt skiing in Switzerland, you can access state treatment on your EHIC cover. As far as Brexit is concerned, until the process is complete the situation will remain unchanged. It is likely to take at least two years for the UK to get itself out of the European Union, and the recent comments by the Prime Minister about taking the UK out of the free trade area could rule us out of the EEA too.

Countries outside the EEA

Not every country which we think of being in Europe geographically is part of the EEA or the EU. Most of the countries which previously made up the Soviet Union, such as Russia, Ukraine or Belarus are geographically European, but you will not be able to use your EHIC there. Similarly, out of the countries which made up the former Yugoslavia, only Croatia is progressing down the path to EU or EEA membership. Further afield, popular holiday destinations such as Turkey and anywhere in North Africa are not covered. If you are travelling to any of these countries outside the EEA, you are strongly advised to arrange a good level of travel insurance which will cover you for any medical emergencies which might occur when you are away from home. Remember too that EHIC won’t cover other costs such as an air ambulance transfer home or for theft or loss, which may be covered by your travel insurance.

Europe but not Europe?

To complicate matters further, several European countries have overseas possessions and territories which are considered to be part of the country, even if they are half way across the globe. One of these destinations is the Canary Islands, which lie off the coast of North Africa. The Canary Islands are part of Spain and therefore you can use EHIC there as you would in mainland Spain. Similarly, the island of Madeira is part of Portugal, and you can access state healthcare there if you need to. The Faroe Islands and Greenland are part of Denmark, so if you are travelling there on business or for a holiday with a difference, don’t forget to pack your documents. France’s overseas territories are even further afield; the islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique in the Caribbean.