When you were on the E111 Application, your medical treatment was free in most of the European Economic Areas and Switzerland. Now the same principal holds true for you and your family on the EHIC program.
Those who are elderly and are still at home are entitled to get a free European Health Insurance Card and so is their spouse. The EHIC card covers all your medical needs when you are at home. If you plan on traveling, then you will need to make sure that you get T I You will find that each country is a little different in the European Economic Areas and Switzerland. They base their coverage's in accordance with the nation's economy. In some of the areas, a co-pay or small charge may accompany the service that is rendered.
When you are traveling to other countries and are in need of medical treatment, you are under the guide lines of that country. If that country requires a co- payment, then you will need to comply in order to get the medical treatment that you need. You can bring your receipts home and possibly get reimbursement. This depends on how the healthcare program is in your own country. You need to verify what your homecare program covers before you file for reimbursement. It is advised that you buy Travelers Insurance so that you will not meet up with any problems while you are traveling to different countries.
The E111 Application usually had each family member listed on the form, and you would need to make multiple copies for everyone in the family. It was always advised that you keep a copy with your passport and one in a safe place at home. The newer EHIC makes it easier because everyone has a plastic card like a credit card to carry. You have a Pin number so no matter where you are going and need medical care, they can access your account with your new European Health Insurance Card. This makes it easier for the healthcare facilities and the physicians to do proper billing, keep up with the client's health problems, and provide immediate treatment when necessary.
The E111 Application was good in its day but with all the modern technologies, this method of providing health care soon became obsolete. Today, the use of computers and iPhones make the use of the new EHIC a better method to keep track of people and their health condition. The E111 Application System is no longer used as part of the European Health Care plan being replaced by the newer European Health Insurance Card for those nations in the program.