How do the changes affect expatriates?
As with the previous E111 system, expatriates who become resident in other EU countries will not be covered from their home country and so will not be able to use a card issued from there. Depending on their country of origin and the public entitlements of the country of residence, expatriates often prefer to take out an international health insurance policy to provide healthcare peace of mind. With an international health insurance policy expats will be covered everywhere (within the region specified on their policy) and medical expenses will be settled in a straightforward manner. It is important to note that the EU Health Insurance Card scheme is not be a replacement for buying travel insurance, or international medical insurance outside the EEA. Nor does it cover expatriates as they travel from country to country, unless they qualify for a new card issued by their EEA country of residence. Bupa International is the largest international expatriate health insurer in the world. As pa
