Will my exchange child need a GP and a dentist?

GPs can register overseas patients who are in the UK for more than 3 months. However, if you have not registered your exchange child with a practice, the practice is not obliged to treat them except in an emergency. The regulations are quite complex – the bottom line is that you should register your child with a GP as soon as they arrive and then you are covered.

Although a dentist’s visit may not be needed, it can be difficult to obtain NHS dentistry in an emergency if you are not already registered with a dentist. Your local PCT (Primary Care Trust) should be able to help you find NHS dental care in an emergency.

What health records are needed?

The French child should come to you with a health record of the immunisations and other treatments. It will help the French family if they have your child's immunisation information and of course any other relevant details with regard to your child's health.

What paperwork does my child need?

The card the British child will need to cover medical expenses whilst in France is the EHIC an application form for which can be obtained from your local Post Office. Although the EHIC does not cover all medical expenses, the French family is requested to cover the difference on their own insurance for the period of the exchange. You are advised to check with your French family that this insurance has been taken out. It is essential that you inform your insurance company to ensure any family policy covers your child while abroad.

Click on the link below to apply for an EHIC on line, type EHIC into their search engine, if the link changes.

http://www.dh.gov.uk/Home/fs/en

What vaccinations does my child need?

Please note that British children going to France MUST have had their BCG vaccination before departure. This is a new requirement and whilst your GP may help you to arrange this, they will not normally be able to do it themselves. Should have problems in obtaining this vaccine as it is no longer done routinely done in the UK, please speak to ALLEF.

Department of Health

Should I take out health insurance?

You will need to consider whether you want to insure your child whilst they are abroad. As an EU resident you are entitled to the same care as a resident of the country you are going to but this can involve some fees. You will need to discuss this with your exchange family to see if they have insurance that will cover your child.

If you wish to take out insurance yourselves, which would also cover the costs of repatriating your child if they were seriously ill, you will need to check the policy carefully as many will not cover such a long trip abroad.

A backpacker policy or one for students abroad may be appropriate.