Travel Insurance

[charliefirpo]

Hi

I am living in London and will do a long trip from London via Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy and France to Spain and Portugal.

I am wondering which kind of insurance I should get. I don't have AA. Is that something that would help me?

I am Austrian by Nationality. Does that make any difference from being British and getting insurance?

[Casper]

Not sure what its new name is but the old name was E111. Its a card you get and when in Europe and you have an accident to produce this and it entitles you to the same treatment you would get at home. Are you now a UK Citizen with a NI number? if not you may need to see if Austria have a similar system. I have never bought insurance apart from when going out the EU. Saying that, i have never had an accident either.

[Ste]

The E111 was replaced with the EHIC card and isn't a substitute for travel insurance.

AA breakdown cover also isn't travel insurance.

You'll need to phone your insurance company to check that you're covered for going to whatever countries you're going to. This also isn't travel insurance.

For travel insurance you might as well start by getting a quote from these people: https://www.bikechatforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=285639

[c-m]

I'm not one to tell you otherwise, but do have a think about whether you really need travel insurance.

I've never bothered on a European trip, but don't let me be an example.

Every country you've listed will get you treated with your EHIC at no more than the cost that locals pay.

Of course travel insurance may have other benefits besides.

If you do decide to take out insurance, why not take a look at the forum sponsor in the sticky above.

[charliefirpo]

I see.

I don't necessarily need a travel insurance or whatever this specific name entails. What I am after is being financially/mediacally covered if I lose some body parts in a metal mash and being covered so that my bike will be repaired or the damage I might cause is covered.

My regular UK bike insurance covers me for 30 days. So I might be able to get an extension. But what if I don't? Which sort of coverage is there for traffic outside the country?

Regarding the EHIC. Is that all I need to be medically covered in the EU? Does that mean I can also go to the dentist in Spain if it's an emergency?

Is there actually any sort of insurance card I should have? Because I don't have anything from the UK. I only know my NI because it is written on my payslips.

Anyway with my NI number afaik I can apply for the EHIC here, right?

https://www.eu-healthcards.com/ehic/?gclid=Cj0KEQjwstaqBRCT38DWpZjJotIBEiQAERS6_CTklkj_gUoZR8Yq_fqhxG1FfNTmbjbx3Q-hZFSXb-oaArcm8P8HAQ

This is not a free service. Is it trustworthy?

[Casper]

Hell no dont pay for one. They are free.

Application form

https://www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/Healthcareabroad/EHIC/Documents/ehic-app-form.pdf

Or look at the NHS web site as you might be able to do an online one.

As for your bike. You 30 days cover will only give you what you get here. Read your policy small print as you may have exclusions but best ask. You will need another cover for breakdown. AA is quite expensive but i have used them before and they did get me a car to continue my holiday after my bike fooked up. They got the bike home a day after i arrived. RAC, Green Flag are others to look at. I tend not to bother now as i have friends in Germany and Holland who will always help out. Thankfully never had to use them but reassuring none the less. The Spanish were being a bit funny about that EHIC card last year for some reason. I dont know why and dont care much as i would never go to spain but worth looking into why and if the problem is over. Someone on the forum may be able to tell you more later.

[Ste]

DO NOT PAY THAT SITE (OR ANY OTHER) FOR YOUR EHIC CARD!!!!

Get them for free here:

https://www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/Healthcareabroad/EHIC/Pages/about-the-ehic.aspx

Your bike insurances covers you for 30 days in the EU I'm guessing? You'll need to check with them exactly what countries you're covered in because Switzerland isn't part of the EU. You might be able to get an extension of that 30 days, you need to ask them. If they won't give you an extension then you'll need to buy insurance from a different insurance company, it's as simple as that.

Please read about the EHIC card on the NHS website to find out about exactly what it does and doesn't cover you for in each different country.

Dental treatment varies from country to country.

Bear in mind that the EHIC card means you can reclaim the cost of treatment once you're back in the UK.

The closest you're going to get to an insurance card is an EHIC card. It's all explained on the NHS link above and the differences between the EHIC card and travel insurance are outlined on the link I posted further up this thread. https://www.bikechatforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=285639

If you want your bike to be repaired following a crash then you need to talk with your insurance company to arrange fully comp cover when you're abroad.

I think that you are wanting to get travel insurance but everything is getting mixed up between what your vehicle insurance will cover, what the EHIC card covers and what travel insurance covers.

[charliefirpo]

Thanks, after posting the link I did more research and found that there are many scam sites and this is one of them. I then also came across the official site. I'll apply there. Thanks for your input so far.

[stinkwheel]

Should be noted that an EHIC card doesn't necessarily get you treated.

A lot of places will want paying there and then, the EHIC gets you reimbursed once you get home.

Your EHIC also doesn't get you home if you get smashed to bits.
____________________
“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[c-m]

If you have motorcycle insurance in the UK you will be covered for the length of policy for anywhere in the EU and 3rd directive e.g. Switzerland, Norway, Croatia (now EU anyway) etc.. It's the law.

This will be 3rd party only cover. You do not need to tell your insurer that you are travelling.

The 30 days cover you mentioned if like for like. i.e if you have your bike insured fully comp in the UK you will get 30 days fully comp cover in the EU and 3rd directive countries. You might have to tell your insurer that you are travelling for this.

Hope that makes sense.

[brains_t]

One of the benefits of private insurance would be to cover the cost of alternate travel home if something were to happen affecting your ability to manage your affairs, this would not be covered by the EHIC. If you need emergency treatment, insurance may ensure you get timely attention - bypass waiting lists or a foot in the door in some cases. Not to mention if your gear gets stolen you can replace it in the knowledge most of the cost wil be reimbursed. Should also mention the good one will sort out any payments and provide a local to negotiate for you.

[Peirre oBollox]

Has anyone overlooked the fact the OP has stated they are an Austrian national, so it maybe worthwhile if they apply for an EHIC in Austria. Likewise as an Austrian the OP should easily be able to apply to the ADAC for breakdown and travel insurance cover
____________________
I accept no responsibility for swearing, drinking, motorcycle riding or your pregnant teenage daughter.

[brains_t]

[Peirre oBollox]