Global Health Insurance Card and Accident Insurance

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http://www.nhs.uk/nhsengland/Healthcareabroad/pages/Healthcareabroad.aspx

Above is a link to the NHS site giving details on how to get a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) it replaces the EHIC

This is free and gives limited free health care when in certain countries in Europe

It's well worth getting this if you are crossing the Channel. BUT it only gives basic cover. Proper health insurance should always taken out. Motorcycle accidents are usually not only painful but also expensive!

Most companies do quite a reasonable deal for 12 months cover and its worth considering this if you are planning several trips.You would be ill advised not to travel without it.

If you do take out private insurance, make absolutely certain that it covers motorcycling. Some don't or if they do, they put a 125cc limit on the type of machine you can ride. Also, some won't cover you if you have only just passed your test - ALWAYS CHECK. This particularly applies if going to the USA, where health insurance is extremely expensive and an accident can cost tens of thousands of pounds! Many companies specifically rule out the USA for motorcycle cover.

Nationwide for instance, gives free accident and health cover to certain account holders, but for motorcycling you need to have had a claim free record for at least three years AND have held a full bike licence for three years. Finding this out after an accident will be very expensive.

Always read the small print on any policy and If in any doubt ring the company and ask the question. Don't find out when you have a claim, that your policy did not cover motorcycling.