Australia has Reciprocal Health Care Agreements (RHCA) with some countries in Europe including Belgium, Finland, Italy, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, the Republic of Ireland, Slovenia, Sweden and the United Kingdom, meaning you may have some cover for medical costs in the public health system of that country through the agreement. Fast Cover’s travel insurance policy will not pay for the cost of medical care that is covered by the RHCA between Australia and the relevant country.
However, Reciprocal Health Care Agreements do not cover every type of medical expenses, so taking out a Fast Cover travel insurance policy for Europe with medical cover for unexpected overseas emergency medical and hospital expenses, overseas emergency dental, and overseas emergency medical evacuation and repatriation may provide you with cover if you unexpectedly fall sick or become injured while travelling in Europe, where cover is not available under a relevant RHCA. Having cover for these unexpected medical situations during your travel to Europe can potentially save you thousands of dollars.
The benefit of overseas emergency medical and hospital expenses provides some protection against the financial burden of unexpected medical emergencies that can happen on your trip to Europe, from food poisoning, treatment for a broken bone or emergency surgery for appendicitis, particularly if this occurs after a certain number of months of your arrival to a country with which Australia has a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement. You should be aware that cover isn’t available for all medical expenses, and some of these may include (but are not limited to):
- medical emergencies related to your existing medical conditions which aren’t listed as covered on your certificate of insurance,
- planned medical procedures or other non-emergency medical treatments,
- routine medical or dental check-ups,
- injuries sustained from your participation in sport or leisure activities covered under the Adventure Pack or snow sports unless you’ve added them to your policy and paid an additional premium to include cover for them, and
- your medical expenses once you’ve returned to Australia,
so it’s important to review your policy to understand what is and isn't covered while you're in Europe and the terms and conditions that apply.
You can apply for cover for your existing medical conditions and any changes in health and/or new medical conditions you may develop between the time you purchase your policy and the date you depart on your trip to Europe through a medical screening. Find out more about what we consider to be a medical condition and how you can apply for cover in our Travel Insurance for existing Medical Conditions page. ^
As each individual’s circumstances are different, we will assess each claim on a case by case basis and in accordance with your specific circumstances, policy terms and Certificate of Insurance.
Any advice is general advice only and does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs. Consider the PDS as eligibility criteria, policy terms, conditions, exclusions and limits apply.