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That lives in its traditions, cultures, people, ethnic values, temples and shrines, art forms, and monuments and citadels. However, it is a good idea to take a break from the city and get busy exploring popular destinations in India.  

Living in Delhi is indeed a lifetime experience. Every single day in the city is an adventure that is full of action, and is just often busy. Remarkably, the city offers a plenitude of attractions and allures to one to rejuvenate and entertain themselves, keeping them hooked to the cities allures the entire time. However, it is also a good practice to explore new places on the vacations and spend a memorable holiday in the newly discovered places, away from the city and away from the chaos. While, you are trying to figure out the destination that would be the most suitable for you, why not think of a trip down south? Different in almost every aspect from the destinations in north India, the destinations in South India are indeed worth visiting as they offer a unique holiday experience. Not only that, each city, town, and village in South India has managed to retain their own identity and features that distinctively identify with them. Very old temples, most luxurious palaces, historical ruins, highly revered pilgrimages, palm fringed canals, bewitching backwaters, hills and beaches, all are the exquisite allures of South India.       

Bangalore, the capital of Karnataka and the fastest developing city in Asia, reflects the best of South Indian culture, traditions, cuisines, art and handicrafts, architectural styles, natural opulence, etc. It is a perfect city for a Delhite to spend the vacation. Both of the cities are well connected; a direct flight between the two cities take an average of 3 hours 30 minutes to cover the distance, whereas in an ideal case a New Delhi to Bengaluru train takes about 33 hours 30 minutes. If you are visiting the south India for the first time, you might be at a mild cultural shock in the beginning. The city maintains a perfect balance between the concrete structures and its lush greenery rich spaces. It is blessed with a great climate, natural lakes, gardens, and parks. In fact, due to its large number of parks and gardens, it is just often referred as the "Garden City of India". One of the major aspects that a tourist is expected to relish here is its popular bar culture. Apparently, the city has the largest number of pubs and bars in India. Based on different themes and many bars serving cold beer that are prepared in their own brewery, the city provides numerous good options for the connoisseurs of premium alcohol. Besides, from classic South Indian to international cuisines, there is a wide pallet of gourmet cuisines served in the popular bars and pubs to have a feast on.

The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is a must when travelling to Hungary but it has to be remembered that every country has its own interpretation of reciprocal healthcare agreements. That is why, not only should you be aware of these, but you should also take out adequate travel insurance. An annual travel insurance policy is a great option for those people who make regular trips abroad, to Hungary or other European countries.

What Does The EHIC Cover in Hungary?

With regards Hungary, here is an insight into what the EHIC covers you for and how the reciprocal agreement works. As many people would assume, medical treatment can only be obtained from GP surgeries that have a contract with the state healthcare system, known as the Országos Egészségpénztár Penztar (OEP). Be wary when getting your travel representative or hotel staff to book an appointment for you as they may immediately assume you would prefer to go private, meaning an EHIC won’t suffice when offsetting costs. A minimum mandatory charge will be requested anyway but this is only a small sum. Most countries have a policy that requires a payment for healthcare, even if you have a single trip or annual travel insurance policy along with an EHIC. Be sure to get a doctor’s referral in Hungary, if you require further treatment at a medical centre.

Hungary provides a free emergency ambulance service but when you arrive at the hospital and have no doctor’s referral, as is likely if you have called the ambulance in an emergency situation, you will be charged an additional 30% on top of the normal charge. With an EHIC alone, this is non-refundable but your annual travel insurance or indeed your single trip policy may well refund this for you.

Even with a valid EHIC and single trip or annual travel insurance policy, prescriptions need to be paid for up front in Hungary. Your EHIC qualifies you to only pay the standard fee, which is non-refundable. Your travel insurance may well allow you to redeem this cost but you need to check your policy.

Remember then that if the issue is not an emergency, book in to see a doctor first and get a referral to a hospital should you need one. Costs of treatment will then be significantly lower with an EHIC.

Some Extra Information

If you are travelling with children, make sure you have covered them with a single trip or annual travel insurance policy too. Even though children under the age of 18 with a valid EHIC are exempt from paying the standard treatment charge there are other fees that could be incurred.

Dental treatment is available at a subsided rate as long as you are careful to choose a dentist that is covered by the OEP.

It is useful to be aware that doctors’ surgeries open during the week, usually from 8am to 6pm. Out-of-hours periods and weekends are covered by 24 hour medical services that different surgeries and health centres provide.

And finally, private treatment is not covered by the EHIC, but instead may be covered by private single trip or annual travel insurance policies.

Croatia is a beautiful holiday destination and has become an increasingly popular destination for British holidaymakers. As with all EU countries, if you have a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), you are entitled to reduced costs for healthcare, and sometimes even free healthcare when you are visiting. But take heed. As with all EU countries, there are individual differences in what is offered under the policy, and it is important to be aware of what exactly you are or are not covered for. Bearing this in mind, you should always take out single trip or annual holiday insurance before you travel. This ensures that you have covered all bases.

What is Covered by EHIC?

The Croatian Health Insurance Fund (CHIF) is the state funded system that supports public GPs, and it is one of these GPs whom you need to visit should you require medical care that will be covered by your valid EHIC in Croatia. When visiting a GP, make sure you are in control of which one you go to, then you can be sure it is a CHIF registered one. Hotel staff and holiday reps may well book an appointment with a private GP, which will not be covered by your EHIC. Different annual holiday insurance policies or even single trip ones may cover you for private healthcare but the EHIC does not.

A co-payment, which is often required in EU countries with a reciprocal agreement with the UK, is also demanded in Croatia. This is required even if you have a valid EHIC card. If, however you have a single trip or annual holiday insurance policy you may be able to claim this back. If you only have an EHIC, this co-payment is non-refundable in the UK or in Croatia itself. The fee is minimal and the reason you cannot claim it back from the state is that it is the fee that local people also pay.

Hospital visits when abroad are not something we like to think about but they do happen, so it is best to be prepared. Having single trip or annual holiday insurance gives you real peace of mind with regards claiming back any costs, but the EHIC also covers you for the same range of treatments that a local Croatian resident would receive in the case of an emergency.

Extra Information

Dental treatment is always a bit of a grey area when it comes to reciprocal healthcare agreements, but in Croatia you will receive the same benefits as a local as long as you have a valid EHIC. This will involve an initial payment that is subsidised as long as you show your EHIC. Insurance policies may well cover you for dental treatment but every single trip and annual holiday insurance policy will be different so check your policy details carefully if you are unsure.

A useful number to have close to hand when travelling in Croatia is 112. This is the emergency services number and a number that can be called for free from any landline or mobile. Be sensible and log this number in your phone before you travel as, although it may only be three numbers, stressful situations can cause us to forget the simplest of things.

Italy is one of the very popular holiday destinations for the travelling British public, but when visiting this beautiful European country it is important to be aware of what your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) covers and what it doesn’t. While healthcare reciprocal agreements are a privilege for EU citizens, not all medical care is free, as it is on the NHS. So, for real peace of mind, make sure your EHIC is up to date and take out a single trip or annual travel insurance policy too.

Comprehensive Advice on the EHIC in Italy

First of all, private health care is at your own expense, regardless of whether you have an EHIC card or not. If, however, you need medical care and want to see a doctor without it costing you privately, you need to look for one contracted to the state healthcare system, known as the Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (SNN). Locate one of these surgeries and you won’t need proof of your single trip or annual travel insurance certificate, only a valid EHIC card, and you will receive your healthcare for free.

When you are away on holiday, the furthest thing from your mind is the possibility that you or someone you are travelling with will end up needing hospital treatment, but unfortunately things do happen and it is best to know what you are entitled to if an incident arises when you are in Italy. As long as you turn up to the hospital with an EHIC, you will receive the benefits that an Italian citizen does.

Some hospitals ask for a co-payment, which is a small cost that goes towards the treatment, use of an ambulance and medications prescribed. It must be reiterated that these costs are minimal and they do vary depending on which region you are staying in and the extent of the care you are receiving.

Some Useful Extra Information

With regards prescriptions in Italy, the place to head to with your script from the doctor is the pharmacy, just as you would in the UK. Show your prescription alongside your EHIC and you will be presented with your medicine. Some medicines, particularly those that are not considered life saving do incur a small charge that is non-refundable with your EHIC, but potentially refundable with single trip or annual travel insurance.

Dentist treatment is not necessarily covered by the EHIC and will cost you, even if a doctor has referred you. This cost should however just be a co-payment.

Italy is a very popular place for foreign students to spend a year studying. If you are doing just that, make sure you register with the SNN, as the EHIC only covers you for a 3 month stay and no longer. Registering is easy and very necessary. You should also invest in annual travel insurance.

Many people choose to take elderly relatives on holiday to Italy where they can indulge in a little ‘bella vita’. The weather can be wonderful and the pace of life is ideal for the more sedate. Elderly people can be a worry when travelling however, so single trip or an annual travel insurance policy is a must, especially as the EHIC does not cover repatriation.