As part of the overall preparation plan should there be widespread infection with the H1N1 virus the government are considering an action plan which would involve moving non-infectious and elderly patients to non-clinical facilities like hotels, gymnasiums and schools to free up hospital beds for the victims of the pandemic.

However overly dramatic this may seem given that WHO are still emphasizing the relative mildness of the disease in the greater majority of patients it does point out how aware the government is in the woefully inadequate number of hospital beds and specialist public health care available – especially in the South.

Pandemic or not, I wish they’d get it sorted so that an appointment at Mahon can be expected within the same month that  it was asked for.

Hotels and Colleges Plan for H1n1

The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) which replaced the E111 in 2006  can be used to cover any necessary medical treatment due to either an accident or illness while on holiday in Tenerife (or elsewhere within the European Economic Area and Switzerland).

Not all  services you would expect within the UK will be covered and you may have to make a contribution towards the care you receive.

There is no information on the EHIC website specific to its use for the treatment of swine flu but it might be the only cover you have unless you have read the fine print of your travel insurer or called them to confirm that they do offer pandemic cover.

The EHIC can only cover you if you show it upon arrival at the hospital. To be on the safe side, carry it with you at all times.