Claim on health not accurate
R Knight of UKIP wrote to express his disgust that France did not pay for the repatriation of a UK mother and her premature baby. He or she claimed that when we joined the EEC (as it was then), the British public was told that reciprocal health agreements were in place to cover treatment and return home.
That was not my understanding and it prompted me to get out my E111 form, which is needed to get state health service treatment in other EU countries.
The notes attached to the form set out in bold type that the cost of bringing a person back to the UK is never covered. This is why most people need travel insurance.
If, as stated, the woman's insurance company would not fund her return, we should presume that she accepted a contract which excluded costs arising from her pregnancy.
I doubt very much that the UK Government unilaterally pays for the return to their home countries of other EU nationals taken ill here, but I am open to correction.
Mr Michael Carter, Shrewsbury
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