On The Dot (July 12) makes reference to the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) and suggests the setting up of a fast-track system for issuing the card for persons who need to go on temporary visits abroad suddenly without having had the time to plan ahead and apply for the card within the stipulated time-frame.

Currently, the Entitlement Unit offers a fast-track service for patients and their accompanying relatives who are sponsored by the government to go for treatment in the UK.

It is to be clarified that an entitled person's right for healthcare cover under EU regulations on the coordination of social security, in terms of which the EHIC is issued, is not forfeited if one is not in possession of the card. In view of this, there are alternative routes to cover for persons entitled to immediate necessary care who realise that they require an EHIC just before they travel abroad. A person who realises that a previous card has expired should still take the expired card and present it should immediately necessary care be required. The presentation of the card would still facilitate access to public health in EU/EEA states since hospital administrations proceed to contact the Entitlement Unit to verify whether a person is entitled to a new card and if yes, obtain the necessary guarantee of payment to cover the care given to the expired card holder.

The same mechanism is usually also implemented when an EU/EEA national not in possession of an EHIC seeks immediately necessary care in public hospitals in EU/EEA member states. The person requiring immediately necessary care may also contact the Entitlement Unit directly and ask for healthcare cover should the need for such a cover arise while on a temporary visit abroad.