If you’re one of the millions of Brits who heads across the Channel to our nearest continental neighbour each year, there are a few things which you shouldn’t neglect to pack in your suitcase. Along with those holiday essentials like sun cream and a good paperback book, remember to take essential paperwork which will help you in an emergency – copies of your passport, your travel insurance policy and helpline number, and your EHIC cover information for each member of the family. Of course we hope you’ll have an uneventful holiday and won’t need your EHIC cover, but here’s what to do if the worst happens.

Getting help from a doctor

If you are in a real emergency situation, the number equivalent to 999 in the UK is 112. The French word for ambulance is the same as the English, and the operator should be able to speak to you in English. In less acute situations, the key phrase you will need to know in French is “conventionné” – this is the French term for the doctors which work within the French Social Security system and these doctors are split into two categories. A “Secteur 1” doctor will charge only the base rates as set by the government for medical treatment. “Secteur 2” doctors may charge more. Always establish what type of doctor you are seeing before agreeing to any treatment, as private healthcare is never covered through EHIC.

Paying for your treatment

Leave to one side the common misconception that treatment is free in Europe with your EHIC. Fully insured French people pay a proportion of their medical costs, and you will too. When you see the doctor he will issue a treatment form, called “feuille de soins” and you will be expected to pay the doctor or dentist for the work you have done. Keep all the paperwork you are given along with receipts as you will be able to claim back 70% of the cost. This reclaim process must be started in France, so don’t leave it until you get home. The French government department which administers this system is CLIESS, and there is information on their website in English.

Admission to hospital

Depending on your condition, either 80% of your treatment or the full 100% will be covered under your EHIC cover. In this case you will not be expected to pay up front and pay it back, you will only be invoiced for the 20%. Depending on the amount, and the terms of your private medical insurance, you may be able to claim this back from your insurer, but not from EHIC. If you are admitted overnight, you will pay 18 euros per day towards your board and lodging, and cannot claim this back. There are also charges for hospital tests, physiotherapy and any medication which the doctor prescribes.

Things to remember

As well as remembering to take your EHIC with you, remember that it is valid in the French overseas territories of Martinique and Guadeloupe as well as mainland France.