UK travel insurance for treatment in Germany

Please be advised that SilaMed's information about the medical treatment in Germany of the foreign patients, reimbursement of costs in the UK as well as the travel insurance for medical treatment are based on the data provided by the official sites of NHS, the European Commission and the Germany ministry of economics and engergy.  

By taking out travel insurance and getting a free European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), you can avoid huge medical bills if you have an emergency during your trip.

Healthcare is free at the point of delivery in the UK, but don't assume it's the same abroad. You will often have to pay part – if not all – of your medical bills. If it's serious, the costs could easily be very high.

Having travel insurance and the EHIC can avoid large medical bills, delays in treatment, and undue stress in the event of a medical emergency.

The EHIC, which is free of charge, replaces the now obsolete E111 form. It entitles UK residents to free or reduced cost medical treatment in European Economic Area (EEA) countries and Switzerland.

The EHIC is not an alternative to travel insurance. It will not cover any private medical healthcare or the cost of things like mountain rescue in ski resorts, repatriation to the UK, or lost or stolen property.

It's important to have both an EHIC and a valid private travel insurance policy. Some insurers now insist you hold an EHIC, and many will waive the excess if you have one.

Each European country's healthcare system varies, so your EHIC may not cover all costs, or you may be expected to pay for your treatment and then claim a refund using your EHIC or insurance policy.

Travel insurance will cover other medical costs the EHIC will not, such as paying for your return journey if illness delays you, or covering your personal contributions toward treatment.

You will also normally receive cover for non-medical emergencies, such as replacing possessions or a lost passport. 

Your insurance policy will vary according to your destination and insurer, but cover generally starts at just a few pounds and could save you tens of thousands of pounds.

You may not be fully covered if you are doing any hazardous sports, such as climbing or skiing. Check whether your policy covers the activities you'll be doing.

1) Support getting travel insurance

Different insurance companies have different policies for people with health conditions, so it can be useful to shop around to find the best deal for you. Travel insurance quotes, especially for people with long-term health conditions like asthma, cancer, diabetes, a heart condition or while pregnant vary from person to person and will depend on a range of things such as:

• your age
• the medicines you use
• if your asthma medicine has been recently changed to a higher or lower dose
• the number of emergency admissions you've had
• where you're travelling to
• any other conditions you might have

All travel insurance policies require you to disclose any information about all existing or pre-existing conditions. If you don’t do this, the insurance company can rightly claim it was misinformed and may not pay out if you make a claim.

Below are some links to websites you can go to for help and support in getting travel insurance. If you have any further suggestions please let us know.

• The Foreign & Commonwealth Office - This website provides a variety of information on travel including travel insurance advice.
• Tourism for All - The national charity dedicated to making tourism welcome for all people.
• Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) - ABTA offer an independent arbitration service if you've had a problem with one of their members. 

2) Specialist travel insurance companies

Please note: We are not recommending these companies, or saying they will definitely insure you.

Unique Insurance

Unique Insurance provide specialist travel insurance for people with pre-existing medical conditions including asthma. This should not only help people with asthma get cover but also provide further benefits:

• It is quick and easy to purchase.
• There is no age limit on single trip policies.
• As a partner of Unique Insurance, Asthma UK will receive a donation for each policy sold.

Unique are experienced specialists in insurance for people with asthma and all other medical conditions and disabilities. They cannot promise to be the cheapest, but provide a valuable service in partnership with many charities, including Asthma UK.

If you are concerned over price, however, it's worth getting a number of alternative quotes (ensuring that you declare all details of asthma and any other conditions in full).

Freedom Travel Insurance
Freedom Travel Insurance offers specialist travel insurance for people with pre-existing medical conditions. Their cover is underwritten by a very large insurance company called AXA.
Tel: 01223 454 290 

Free Spirit
Free Spirit is a specialist travel insurance policy for people with pre-existing medical conditions.
Tel: 0800 170 7704 (8am-6pm Monday-Friday)

It's So Easy Travel Insurance
It's So Easy provides travel insurance for people with pre-existing medical conditions.
Tel: 0845 222 4205 (Medical Screening Line)
Tel: (annual policies) 0845 222 2226

Orbis Insurance Services
Provides cover for people with pre-existing medical conditions
Tel: 01424 220 110

Pulse Insurance
Specialises in providing travel and other insurance for people who are considered 'high risk' by the insurance industry generally.
Tel: 01280 850666

Saga
Saga can provide travel insurance for people with pre-existing medical conditions who are 50 years old and above.
Tel: 0800 015 8055

Travelbility
Provides travel insurance created for people who are disabled and those with pre-existing medical conditions.
Tel: 0845 338 1638 (Monday to Friday - 9.00am to 5.30pm)

Asthma Enterprises is an Introducer Appointed Representative of Heath Lambert Limited and Unique is a trading name of Heath Lambert Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered Office: The Walbrook Building, 25 Walbrook, London EC4N 8AW. Registered Number: 1199129 England and Wales. www.ajginternational.com

Please note that SilaMed cannot provide any medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, and does not make recommendations in choosing a German medical provider – that is a decision that remains entirely up to you.