Whilst on holidays to Far East in August 2006, i had a severe heart attack and had angioplasty done in local hospital abroad. Unfortunately, i did not have a travel insurance and had to pay approx £5000 towards the treatment. Is there any NHS scheme which would cover my cost? And yes, i do realise it was stupid of me to travel without insurance! Lesson learnt!!











Contrary to what some people above have said, there are several countries outwith the EU which have reciprocal arrangements with the UK, for medical care, New Zealand being one I can think of. You would not be charged for medical and hospital care there, but you would of course still have to pay for any emergency medical flight back home.
http://www.dh.gov.uk/PolicyAndGuidance/H…
Also contrary to above, the E111 is now obsolete, you need a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to receive free treatment in the EC. It should be noted however that there are still often some medical charges to be paid, not all countries within this arrangement cover every charge.
I would suggest you check online to find if the country you went to, is covered by a reciprocal agreement with the UK. This site might be a good place to start. Good luck to you
you have got no chance what so ever of claiming your cost back .you will have to put it down.to experiences..
silly boy
Why would the NHS help you? You made no effort to cover for all eventualities. I buy travel insurance for an annuaasl fee of around sixty pounds for world wide cover.
No unfortunatly your screwed. Hope you fell better though. Yeah always travel with insurance. Every one things it wont happen to them but for how cheap it is and how expensive the cover is as you know its worth it. A friend of mine had a stroke on holiday and is exactly the same situation as you. Sorry
No. Unfortunately, that’s what travel insurance is for! It was your responsibility to buy it before you travelled ( I know you already know this!)
No HHS cover outside the EU. An expensive lesson as an insurance could have cost just £50.00
If you’re in the EU your filled in and stamped E111 form (which provides a credit card like card to keep) will provide basic care. Doctors or hospital visit etc. But for major surgery your travel insurance would cover it. I hate to say it but you were silly to go without the travel insurance but I’m sure you know that now, it’s so cheap too. I’m afraid I don’t think you’ll get your money back.