The European Economic Area (EEA) is made up of the 27 European Union (EU) countries, with the addition of Norway, Iceland and Lichtenstein – who are also participants in the EU’s single market.

The EEA is actually pretty vast not just in terms of its size but also its population, which numbers over half a billion people in total. It’s also one of the most culturally and climatically diverse regions of the globe, from sparsely populated Scandinavian areas north of the Arctic Circle right down to the sun baked southern European edges that almost touch Africa.

Photo by Alex E. Proimos / Creative Commons License

Travelling within the EEA

If you’re a national of one of the EEA states, it means that when you travel to another state within the area, you have the right to receive the same public medical attention as a national of that state would receive. In order to be able to ensure this, though, you must first obtain a European health Card (EHIC). The EHIC is free of charge, and you can apply for the card easily online.

When you go travelling within the EEA, it doesn’t always necessarily mean you’ll even be going that far from home. If you’re form the UK, for instance, you’re still pretty much within fewer than 5 hours flight time to most of the area. This means that there’s lots of choice in terms of where to go and what to do when you get there.

Getting medical treatment in the EEA

The UK government’s Foreign & Commonwealth Office points out that despite its name, the EHIC isn’t a substitute for medical insurance. This is because in many EEA countries, nationals are charged towards the cost of treatment, and so EHIC holding visitors will be subject to the same charges. Additionally, the EHIC isn’t equivalent to travel health cover because it doesn’t include medical evacuation or repatriation, both of which – for the uninsured – can be horrendously expensive.

Also, in the case of people who are moving abroad longer term to live as expatriates within another EAA country, the EHIC isn’t designed for expat requirements. So if you’re looking to stay abroad longer term it’s advisable to find out how to register with your destination country’s public healthcare system and also to purchase an international private medical insurance policy.

Jen Jones is a wellbeing blogger writing on subjects including international private medical insurance and workplace health.

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New Year, fireworks in Zurich, Switzerland by Zürich Tourismus

Scintillating Switzerland

With a population of less than 7.5 million, Switzerland borders with Austria, Germany, France, Italy and Lichtenstein. The excellent positioning of the country makes it one of the most easily accessible locations from any corner of the world. Among the most fascinating countries, Switzerland has been a famous tourist destination courtesy of its scintillating snow-covered mountains, dense forests and sparkling lakes. The scenery is perfect postcard material, and one of the main reasons why the country is so popular among tourist groups is skiing. Medieval cathedrals, museums and castles are the ones you can’t afford to miss when on tour. Swiss chocolate and cheese is world renowned, and a trip to the scenic paradise can be finger-licking good.

Fabulous France

Located on the West of Europe, France is one of the most diverse countries that make for a fantastic destination regardless of what you like or dislike. Filled with culture and seeped in history, the country has everything you need for an exhilarating vacation. While the north of France has Paris – the most visited and the largest city in the country, the south boasts of sensational scenery that changes dramatically on your way to the French Alps. Mountain activities and winter sports are in full swing during the season, making Chamonix a household name. Over ten million people visit France each year, and the nation delivers a fabulous time. Champagne hails from France, and the country is also home to some of the most exotic dishes. The nightlife is exuberant, to say the least, and an evening in Paris will certainly stick long in your memory.

Astonishing Austria

Mozart is probably the first thing that pops into your mind when you think of Austria. The country is located in the heart of Europe and boasts of some of the finest works of architecture. Vienna, its capital city is filled with medieval museums, cafes and imperial palaces. Austria is an ideal destination for those who like to soak up nature and relax as it is considered an eco-friendly location. With phenomenal scenery, you can find a large number of lakes, flowers, mountains and fields. The country possesses endemic species and preserves them. The Austrian Alps is the perfect place for those who like to have their share of fun in the snow. Skiing and other mountain activities thrive in this region, and an Austrian vacation promises to serve as a reinvigorating getaway.

Andy Butler is an expert associated with Burger Davis Sotheby’s International Realty, dealers of property available for rent and sale in the French Riviera.

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Berliner Dom Museum Island, Berlin, Germany / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Beny Shlevich

We can never get away from the fact that Berlin is in central Europe, therefore you are not going to be tanning it up on any beaches (even though it is landlocked, it does have a man-made beach!) or sipping cocktails in the sun all of the time, so it’s worthwhile noting the numerous excellent museums that the city has to offer. There is something for everyone, be it art, architecture, music or the history of the city itself.

There aren’t many cities in the world that can boast a place called Museum Island, but Berlin certainly can and it houses five of them. Situated in the middle of the Spree River, the island is home to the Altes and Neues (Old and New) museums, a national gallery and the Bode museum, which displays an excellent sculpture collection amongst other fine art. The jewel in the crown however, is the Pergamon Museum which shows off huge reconstructions – some life size – of different architecture of the last 3,000 years. It is truly a sight to behold.

Hamburger Bahnhof, Berlin, Germany / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by dalbera

If you like your art more pop than classical, then a good place to visit is the Hamburger Bahnhof. Set in a disused railway station, this huge space is home to works of some of the greatest contemporary artists including Warhol, Lichtenstein amongst many others. Fans of Joseph Beuys will be especially happy, as an entire wing of the gallery is taken up with some of his rarer works.

If the moving image is more your thing, then the Kinemathek museum – just off the Potsdamer Platz – should be your first stop. Everything from scripts to props is available to see, from the beginnings of German cinema, through the Weimar era and the war propaganda up to the present day.

Even if you’re not a fan of the New York punk legends The Ramones, you will be amazed at the expanse of the collection on show at this museum dedicated to Joey, Dee Dee and the boys. Crudely basing the museum frontage on the famous CBGB’s club in New York, owner-curator Flo Hayler started his collection with a couple of pin badges and a ticket stub after seeing the band live in the city a generation ago, and now the museum is filled with all things Ramone.

Ben Gallivan is a well-travelled Welshman with an appreciation for the finer things in life, including museums, music, and currywurst. He writes for One80 Hostel in central Berlin.

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