News
Brits urged to check insurance cards
14 October 2008
The Department of Health (DoH) has urged British holidaymakers to check the validity of their European health insurance card (EHIC) before travelling on the continent, warning that nearly 1.5m people could be putting themselves at risk.
Some 28m Britons currently have an EHIC but nearly 1.5m cards will have expired by the end of October, according to the DoH.
A total of 3m cards currently in British ownership expire between September 2008 and March next year and will therefore not offer any cover for basic medical care.
Paul Siddell, overseas healthcare programme manager at the DoH, said: 'Many Brits are putting themselves at unnecessary risk by not checking their EHIC expiry date. If you're travelling in Europe it's vital that you carry an EHIC, as well as comprehensive travel insurance.
'If you find your EHIC is out of date, it is very easy to renew it online or over the phone and it will be delivered within ten days. Card holders can renew up to six months in advance of expiry so we are urging people to check their EHICs now.'
The EHIC replaced the E111 form three years ago and entitles holders to reduced-cost or free state-provided healthcare in most European countries.
Opodo cheap flights, hotels and car hire - let the journey begin!
Some 28m Britons currently have an EHIC but nearly 1.5m cards will have expired by the end of October, according to the DoH.
A total of 3m cards currently in British ownership expire between September 2008 and March next year and will therefore not offer any cover for basic medical care.
Paul Siddell, overseas healthcare programme manager at the DoH, said: 'Many Brits are putting themselves at unnecessary risk by not checking their EHIC expiry date. If you're travelling in Europe it's vital that you carry an EHIC, as well as comprehensive travel insurance.
'If you find your EHIC is out of date, it is very easy to renew it online or over the phone and it will be delivered within ten days. Card holders can renew up to six months in advance of expiry so we are urging people to check their EHICs now.'
The EHIC replaced the E111 form three years ago and entitles holders to reduced-cost or free state-provided healthcare in most European countries.
Opodo cheap flights, hotels and car hire - let the journey begin!
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