Free: All time
If you have British, EU, EEA, or Swiss nationality then consider yourself lucky! You’re entitled to the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which lets you get state health care at a reduced cost or sometimes free in all EEA countries. Basically, if you get sick during your trip, EHIC will get you covered for treatment that is needed to allow you to continue your stay until your planned return. Each country has slightly different coverage, so check the website. The application for EHIC is free (beware of some scam sites that will charge you a fee.) The EHIC is not an alternative to travel insurance though since it does not cover things like mountain rescue in ski resorts, being flown back to your home country, lost or stolen property, etc. And no, you can’t use this card and give birth in Switzerland.
Website: www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/Healthcareabroad/EHIC/Pages/about-the-ehic.aspx
Photo credit: University Health Service
