RECIPROCAL HEALTH AGREEMENTS
If You intend travelling to European Union (EU) countries, the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland We would advise You to obtain a Form CM1 from Your local main Post Office. On returning this, duly completed, to the main Post Office You will be issued with a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which will entitle You to certain free or reduced cost health arrangements in the EU, EEA or Switzerland. (Full details are given in the DSS Leaflet No. T7 - Health Advice for Travellers.)
Please note: For claims under Section 2 (Medical Emergency & Repatriation) or Section 3 (Emergency Dental Treatment), no Policy Excess will apply when You receive inpatient treatment (where medically necessary) at a state hospital within the EU, EEA or Switzerland if You have used the European Health Insurance Card to effectively reduce the cost of Your treatment or medicines.
When You are travelling to Australia and You register for treatment under the national Medicare scheme, Medicare provides:
- free treatment as an in-patient or out-patient at a public hospital;
- subsidised medicines under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme; and
- benefits for medical treatment provided by doctors through private surgeries and Government Health Centres (not hospitals).
You must enrol at Medicare offices in Australia if You will be receiving treatment. If You receive treatment before You enrol, Medicare benefits can be backdated, if You are eligible. To be eligible You must be a resident of the United Kingdom or Ireland and will need to show Your British or Irish passport with an appropriate visa, and acceptable identification (for example a driving licence). If You do not enrol at Medicare offices We may reject Your claim or limit the amount We pay to You. If You need treatment which cannot be carried out under Medicare you MUST contact Our 24 hours Emergency Service before seeking private treatment. If You do not do so, We may reject Your claim or limit the amount We pay to You.
For more information You should contact:
Health Insurance Commission
PO Box 1001,
Tuggeranong,
ACT 2901,
Australia
Website: www.hic.gov.au
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