Benefits of EHIC pass by majority of Brits

More than half of Brits (51 per cent) do not know the benefits of having the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) when holidaying in Europe, according to research by moneysupermarket.com.

The leading price comparison site found 43 per cent of Brits still believe the E111, which is now defunct, will cover them for free or reduced cost medical treatment in EU countries. A further five percent believe their NHS patient card can be used while three per cent thought neither of the above or the EHIC was suitable.

The European Health Insurance Card replaced the E111 in January 2006 and entitles UK citizens to receive free or reduced cost medical treatment when in other EU countries, yet only 35 per cent of Brits were familiar with it.

The EHIC, which is free to apply for, is the only recognised document for medical treatment abroad and every family member must have their own card.

Maxine Baker, travel insurance manager at moneysupermarket.com, said: "Brits holidaying in Europe will learn a painful and expensive lesson if they need medical treatment and don't produce the EHIC. Medical treatment in mainland Europe doesn't come cheap and holidaymakers stand to lose out and suffer unexpected financial pain. I am surprised that nearly three years after the card has been launched, Brits awareness is still disturbingly low."

In the event of illness or an accident on the continent, holidaymakers can present the EHIC to secure the same state-provided medical treatment as a local resident. However, any non-essential care or treatment can cost extra, and not presenting the card from the offset can cause complications.

Maxine Baker added: "Like the E111 before, the EHIC only offers relatively low level financial reimbursement for basic medical bills. Holidaymakers shouldn't view it as a replacement for travel insurance. As well as offering much more comprehensive medical treatment cover, travel insurance protects you for lost or stolen possessions, holiday cancellation, personal liability and a range of other costly possibilities. For this reason it is important to have both an EHIC and a valid private travel insurance policy.

"The trick is to shop around for the right level of cover for you at the right price. Many insurers, 1stoptravelinsurance and Churchill for example, will even waive your medical expenses excess when an EHIC is produced, which could save you as much as £75. Other providers such as American Express will offer reduced premiums."

Brits can usually get a free EHIC within seven days if they apply at ehic.org.uk/InternetRes/home.do or on 0845 606 2030. Filling out a form at the post office adds two weeks to the process. The EHIC is valid for up to five years in all European Economic Area (EEA) countries and Switzerland.