July 2021 Newsletter

The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is being phased out following the Brexit deal in favour of a new, free Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). Here's what you need to know, including what the two cards are, who needs which one and how to get a GHIC for free.  (EHIC and GHIC are FREE via the official NHS website).

For kidney patients this will mean you can continue to access dialysis, or other specialist treatments like oxygen therapy when you travel in the EU using your EHIC. If your EHIC has expired you can apply for a new one, which will be renamed the GHIC, with GHIC standing for ‘Global Healthcare Insurance Card’. As previously, this does not replace the need for you to take out travel insurance but it does mean that the cost of your dialysis will be covered if you dialyse at a public unit (this should also be agreed in advance when booking your holiday dialysis). As before, you may need to make a contribution towards the cost of dialysis because of the unit/country where you were having treatment, but in most cases it will be free of charge to you.

EHICs and GHICs are essentially the same thing – what do they cover?

If you're a UK national living in the UK, the only real difference is in the name:

• The EHIC entitles you to the same treatment at state-run hospitals and GPs in the EU that locals are entitled to, at the same cost (so in some cases it could be free).
• The GHIC does the same, but despite being called a 'Global' Health Insurance Card, like the EHIC, it too only works within the EU.

Before Brexit, and during last year's transition period, the EHIC entitled UK holders living in the UK to the above when travelling in the EU. Plus it extended to non-EU countries Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland, as well as some other overseas territories. Sadly, neither card is valid outside the EU as of 1 January 2021 if you're a UK citizen living in the UK.

Neither card is a replacement for travel insurance, as they don't cover holiday cancellation, mountain rescue, repatriation and more. Travel insurance should always be taken out to fully cover you.

If I have a valid, in-date EHIC, do I need a GHIC?

Not if you're a UK national living in the UK. If you currently have an EHIC, you can continue to use it in the EU until the card expires, even if that is years away.

How do I check my EHIC expiry?

The expiry date is on the bottom right of the physical card, so check if you've still got time left on yours.

So who needs a GHIC?

If you're a UK national living in the UK, when your EHIC expires or you're applying for the first time, you'll now need to get a free GHIC instead.

How do I get a free GHIC?  

You need to go via the official Government website: Apply for a free GHIC via the official website.


The announcement of a continued reciprocal healthcare agreement is much welcomed, and we hope that we can all begin to travel again soon.

 

The natural beauty of Corfu remains a constant value over time. The sea, the sun and the wind, shape the island creating an impressive coastline. Beaches with golden or white pebbles, rock sculptures, trees that extend their shadow to the water.  A pleasant everyday life, full of plenty of light, sea breeze and warm smiles!!!
 

Whether you want exploration, relaxation or some nightlife, holidays to Corfu offer something for everyone. Head along the winding mountain pass to Mount Pantokrator in north-eastern Corfu to reach the highest point of the island. You can explore the traditional villages hidden amid the steep slopes on your way up to the summit. An Island rich in culture explore its rich Greek, Venetian, and British heritage with a tour of age-old castles and fortresses. After dark, one of Europe’s top clubbing resorts comes to life, Kavos is absolutely brimming with lively bars and restaurants for your enjoyment. Or head a little further up to the coast to Ipsos and Dasia for a more relaxed evening.

Corfu is a stunning green island, boasting breath-taking views and spectacular scenery around every corner. Whether you spend your time in the larger resorts or visiting the quieter local towns and villages, you’ll be blown away by the island’s natural beauty. Be sure not to miss some of the best views of the island from spots such as the old fortress in Corfu Town or the monastery at Paleokastritsa.

The island of Corfu is a great family holiday destination for a number of reasons. The choice of hotels and resort facilities means that you can easily stay in one place, should you choose to. But if you want to get out and explore the island, it’s easy to travel around and see what other resorts and villages have to offer too. Corfu boasts extremely clean and safe beaches, ideal for spending long summer days with the little ones. And for more fast-paced fun, there is the excellent Aqualand Waterpark located just 20 minutes from Sidari.

Located on the north coast of Corfu, Sidari is popular with families and couples for its untouched, natural beauty. Sugar-coloured rock formations leading into the sea create lots of little isolated beaches giving you that holiday V.I.P. feel. Close by, you’ll find the charming fishing village of Aghios Stefanos. Its golden beach is nestled by lush scenery on the one side and drenched by the calm Adriatic Sea waters on the other. Or, if you’re looking for a buzzing post-exam paradise, Kavos is your place. From 90s floor-fillers to the best House music and Dubstep around, you’ll never want to leave.

The dialysis unit in Corfu is well located, very close to the city centre, the airport and the harbour and just 1.5km from the inter-connected General Hospital.

The building was renovated following the vision of one of the most prestigious Architectural firms ISV ARCHITECTS and is situated just a few meters from sea, offering un-disturbed view to the Ioanian Blue.

The Corfu Clinic is equipped with modern – top of the line – Fresenius® 5008s HDF CorDiax® HemoDialysis Machines. Because having a fancy dialysis machine is not enough, in nephroxenia, they use strictly Fresenius FX-classix® and FX-Cordiax® dialyzers with helixone® membrane. In addition, all medical supplies and miscellaneous medical equipment required during dialysis treatment are always chosen carefully to guarantee a safe and efficient treatment.

EHIC/GHIC is accepted and the clinic is open for bookings for 2021 and 2022 currently.

If you would like more information on a dialysis holiday and the services we offer, you can contact us via email info@holidaydialysis.co.uk or call 01509815999

                                Take a holiday the Freedom way!