E111 Card Renewal- unnecessary fees.

[GlenLivet]

If you are renewing an E111 card - (European Health Insurance Card) which allows UK citizens to access medical services in other EU countries, then beware of commercial websites charging around £50 for renewing the card.

 

My daughter recently visited Europe and at the last minute discovered her card had expired. As a result I quickly googled 'Renew E111 card', and was promptly directed to an official looking site, which charged a fee of £49 for renewing the card.

 

I have no reason to doubt the site is legitimate and received an email confirming the transaction etc. However I later learned from a friend there are many commercial sites set up to provide this service and quite legitimately charge an administration fee, but as far as I am aware there is no benefit such as a quicker renewal etc.

 

I understand the NHS provides this service without charging a fee. Further details can be obtained on http://www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/Healthcareabroad/EHIC/Pages/about-the-ehic.aspx

 

Hope it works, if not then google 'NHS free renewal of E111 card' or use similar search terms.

[geomagot]

yes... they are called shyster websites and are (for some reason?) legal??:confused:

 

people can also get cought out when applying for holiday visas, estas etc

 

there a good article here

 

http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/family/copycat-websites

 

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[kruzseeka]

Yes we fell into this trap too and we are usually very cautious about such things. We realised very near to departure that our cards had expired so in something of a panic we Googled HHIC cards and proceeded to renew. Luckily we only got stung for £10 but nevertheless annoying given we could have done it for nothing! So good advice - beware!

[mistyhalo]

The Post Office have this on their website. Very helpful as always.

http://www.postoffice.co.uk/health-insurance-card

[CRUISIN LINDA]

I got caught with the American visa a few years back. I knew it had been free but that there was now a fee. However I ended up paying over £40 instead to $14. Our friend called me "thick" so don't feel so bad now I know others have got caught!