EHIC holders still need holiday insurance

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Wed, 05 Apr 2006

Travellers are being urged not to rely on just the new European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) and should consider purchasing additional Holiday Insurance.

The Post Office are reminding holidaymakers that the EHIC, which replaced the E111 form at the start of the year, only entitles UK residents to free basic state healthcare and emergency medical treatment as well as not covering lost belongings, stolen items or the cost of unexpected delays or cancellations.

Hugh Stacey, head of travel services at the Post Office, explained: "It only covers you for the same level of healthcare as a resident of the country you're going to - which may not include all the things you get free under the NHS."

"For this reason Travel Insurance is a good idea to ensure you are fully covered."

Yet, this doesn't mean that travellers should dismiss the EHIC altogether as it can enable faster and easier access to emergency medical treatment and it is recognised throughout the EU and in Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.


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