Travellers urged to check EHIC expiry date

Holiday bargain hunters travelling in Europe are being urged to check their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) expiry date before they travel to avoid them having to pay out unnecessarily for medical costs that could be covered by a valid EHIC.

With more Brits cutting back on vital holiday preparations such as taking out travel insurance, and 50% of Brits not knowing the EHIC has a shelf life, the Department of Health is urging Brits to check their EHIC expiry date and take out adequate travel insurance to avoid putting their health at risk and getting into financial trouble when abroad.

Consumer champion Martin Lewis, from Moneysavingexpert.com, said: “Everyone travelling to Europe should ensure they’ve got an EHIC. It’s a no-brainer. It’s totally free, and entitles you to the same treatment in any EU or Swiss hospital as a local would get, at the same price. So if they would get free or discounted medical cover so do you.

It’s not exactly arduous either. It only takes a couple of minutes to get one, or renew it if you’re one of the worryingly large number of people who are letting old cards lapse – and it’s hugely valuable free, added protection.

Though don’t see it as an alternative to travel insurance, as it doesn’t provide baggage cover, cancellation cover, and you may need to pay some costs, but it’s a strong addition to it. “

Currently 28 million Britons have an EHIC (which replaced the E111 form in 2005), however three million will have expired by the end of March 2009. The EHIC entitles you to reduced costs or free state-provided healthcare in most European countries should you fall ill or have an accident. The EHIC can be renewed online or over the phone and will be delivered within ten days; it can also be renewed up to six months in advance of expiry.

To renew or obtain an EHIC, log on to nhs.uk/healthcareabroad