British travellers at risk this summer over EHIC confusion

British tourists risk not being covered when travelling to Europe this year as news that 2.3 million Britons who travelled within the EU in the past 12 months did not take out travel insurance because they believed an EHIC card gave them sufficient cover.

This means that many British tourists will not be properly covered this summer, according to American Express Insurance Services.

At a time when families are planning summer holidays in Europe, American Express Insurance Services says that Brits should be careful not to confuse an EHIC card with travel insurance.

The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) entitles UK residents to free or reduced cost healthcare depending on the country they are visiting, but unlike a travel insurance policy the EHIC will never cover holiday cancellation, curtailment or repatriation.

Previous research from American Express Insurance found that the confusion surrounding European Health Insurance Cards has not improved since 2006. Since then millions of Brits are unwittingly putting themselves at risk of serious financial difficulties by leaving themselves inadequately insured before travelling abroad.

Chris Rolland, Head of American Express Insurance Services commented: "With so many Brits planning a summer holiday in Europe this month, travellers should be careful not to rely on European Health Insurance Cards. They are not a substitute for comprehensive travel insurance so you will not be covered for delays, loss of baggage or cancellations or experience other benefits of having an independent travel insurance policy.

"EHIC cards are solely for emergency medical treatment in Europe and people must make sure that they have independent, quality travel insurance to ensure that they have comprehensive cover to avoid any unwanted financial difficulties. We offer up to a nine per cent discount on our European Travel policies for customers who have an EHIC, which entitles UK residents to free or a reduced cost of healthcare depending on the country they are visiting."

For more information, visit americanexpress.co.uk