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May 2021 Newsletter

Holidays with Dialysis


Welcome to our May newsletter.  We hope you have all been enjoying yourselves and seeing family and friends, which we know for some of you has been a very long wait.

We now have several areas in the UK open for holiday dialysis so if you are thinking of a staycation this year in the UK get in touch with us for more information on our FREE service for UK patients wishing to arrange dialysis in the UK.


The EHIC/GHIC is still accepted in many European Countries for UK EHIC/GHIC holders and covers the cost of dialysis treatment in accepting units.  We have more information below on this and details on how to apply for the new GHIC.

Our feature destination this month is the Canary Islands.  We offer dialysis is Tenerife, Fuerteventura, Lanzarote and Gran Canaria.

We look forward to bringing some safe travel in 2021.


 www.holidaydialysis.co.uk

info@holidaydialysis.co.uk

01509815999



 

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.

 

 



Together with Kidney Care UK
we run the FREE UK dialysis swap scheme.
If you’re looking to take a break in the UK
and need to arrange dialysis away from base,
give us a call on 01509 808 668, email info@dialysisfreedom.co.uk or visit our website
https://dialysisfreedom.co.uk/ 
 



 
Travel insurance is an important extra when travelling with medical conditions.  We recommend All Clear who offer insurance to cover pre-existing medical conditions.  You will need to go through a medical screening over the telephone or online call 01708 339028 quoting referal code FRH for your holiday insurance quote.

 

                        Feature destination - Canary Islands

Marvel at the pine-forested peaks of Gran Canaria’s mountainous interior, the tumbling waterfalls of La Palma or the subtropical greenery of La Gomera’s Parque Nacional de Garajonay. Then contrast all this lushness with the extraordinary bare flatlands flanking Tenerife’s El Teide, the surreal party of colours glittering across Lanzarote’s lava fields, the gentle flower-filled hillsides of El Hierro, and Fuerteventura’s endless cacti-sprinkled plains. The Canary Islands' near-perfect temperatures mean that, year-round, you can soak up fantastical, varied landscapes otherwise only found by crossing continents.

Tenerife - The Island that has it all
There is no doubt why Tenerife is so loved among visitors - great weather all year round with around 300 days sunshine per year.  From beaches to hiking trails Tenerife has it all including the highest peak in Spain - Mount Teide.  With dialysis facilities in Playa de las Americas, Puerto de la Cruz and Puerto Santiago we have the Island well covered.

Gran Canaria - Best Canary Island for Couples
Gran Canaria is a great destination for couples, it has lively nightlife, many fiestas and festivals, especially in the south areas of Maspalomas and Playa del Ingles.  You can also find more relaxed areas such as Puerto Mogan or Puerto Rico if you want to experience a more traditional side of the Island.  We have dialysis available in three areas - Guia, Las Palmas (City) and Telde.

Lanzarote - Best Canary Island for families 
A Smaller Island, great for exploring with two great water parks.  Visit in the autumn when the ocean is at its highest temperature great for spending all day on the beach and having fun in the water.  Lanzarote packs a lot of fun into a small Island and is also a great year round destination.  Dialysis is available in Arrecife.

Fuerteventura - Best Beaches in the Canary Islands
Without a doubt Fuerteventura has the best beaches of all the Canary Islands and also one of the top in Europe.  If you want to lay on the beach all day and swim in some of the most amazing crystal clear waters then Fuerteventura is for you.  The Island boasts many beautiful beaches and landscapes which will keep you fascinated.  Dialysis is available in Puerto del Rosario (Las Palmas).

If you would like more information on the Canary Islands for your next holiday destination and how we can help you make that happen, you can contact us on Tel: 01509815999 or email info@holidaydialysis.co.uk




 
       
Do you know about Kidney Care UK and the services they offer?


Kidney Care UK are the UK's leading kidney patients support charity, providing practical, financial, and emotional support for kidney patients and families across the UK.

Kidney Care UK provide support for more than 100 patients every week and invest over £3 million each year in patient grants.  They provide practical and emotional support, funding patient research projects and improving care services.

Visit their website for further information and download their patient support services guide www.kidneycareuk.org




 


Our travel partners Millington Travel are both ABTA and ATOL and IATA license protected for your peace of mind.  The largest independent travel agency in Leicestershire.  Offering a wide range of holiday choices why not let our team at Millington Travel look into your next holiday quote.

Call 01164120040


Email: freedomholidays@millingtontravel.com 
 
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Freedom The Dialysis Holiday Specialist · 8 Flaxland Crescent · Sileby · Leicester, Leicestershire LE12 7SB · United Kingdom

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