Healthcard rules released

UK pension service issues instructions to get European Health Insurance Card

By Tom Cain
THE OVERSEAS Healthcare Team of the UK pension service is now sending out letters to UK pensioners in receipt of sate pensions from the UK on how to apply for the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).

The healthcare team states that due to changes in EC regulation as from May 1, 2010, the United Kingdom, as the member state responsible for payment of your pension, will also then be responsible for issue of your EHIC instead of the member state where you are now living.

Attached to the letter is a simple form that must be filled out and returned in the envelope provided.

Each form will contain the personal details of the recipient and therefore cannot be used by another person.

Cards will start to be issued by the NHS Business Services Authority in April and can be used from May 1.

If you have any dependent children under the age of 16, a separate letter and application form will be issued.

Read more in this weeks Costa Blanca News edition