EHIC 'not a replacement' for annual travel insurance

Monday, Apr 13,2009, 4:48:12 PM   Click:

Holidaymakers have been warned that their European Health Insurance Cards (EHIC) do not provide adequate cover to replace the need for holiday insurance.

The NHS Rotherham Health Advice Centre has warned people planning trips abroad to be aware that their EHIC, which replaced the E111 form in 2005, has an expiry date, according to the South Yorkshire Star.

Although the card entitles people to reduced cost or free state-level healthcare in most European countries, the Department of Health warned that as many as 3.3 million EHICs have so far expired.

Sue Edwards, health information manager at the health advice centre, told the newspaper: "Anyone travelling with an expired EHIC is putting themselves at risk as they will not be covered for basic medical care."

According to the research conducted by the Department of Health, three in five people claim to have an EHIC.

However, the survey also revealed that 68 per cent of those are unsure as to when their card will expire.