In reply to nikkormat:
> Don't bank on free healthcare in other EU countries. As far as I remember, the EHIC entitles you to the same level of healthcare as is provided to citizens of the country you are visiting, which you might have to pay for.
Two year ago friend injured his knee in Poland. Good thing he was still able to ski down slowly. Xrays and doctors were free, but we had to buy cast for him and drugs. Set us back by 100 euros.
This Christmas I took a big fall and broke ankle in Mallorca. Was able to rappel and managed to make my way on 3 limbs back to the car crawling in dry river bed for two hours. At last section we met another climbing party. One of them was local firefighter and helped a lot! Thanks Pepe (you are not reading this, but you are my hero)! It was super close to situation we would need to call for helicopter. We had insurance, but without one it would cost from 3k euros.
In hospital I got the cast for free and was offered to have a surgery on next day, but decided to fly back to UK and have ankle operated here. Funny thing first aid and surgery are covered by ETHIC, but crouches I had to buy for 24 euros!
In both recent cases ETHIC covered first aid. But that's where it stops. Get insurance