Don't go without your card warns Lib Dem MEP!

5.06.00am BST (GMT +0100) Fri 20th Jun 2008

Holidaymakers should make sure they have a card that entitles them to free medical treatment across Europe. In 2006 the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) replaced the old E111 form needed to get medical treatment in the EU.

The warning from Lib Dem Euro-MP Chris Davies comes as a Department of health survey has revealed that half of people are not aware the EHIC has a 3-year shelf life, and many don't even know about the new card.

The EHIC is credit card style pass that gives EU citizens access to all forms of health care when travelling in Europe.

The new EU card extends the type of medical treatment that can be given and means that cardholders can go straight to any local doctor if they fall ill without first registering with local authorities.

All UK citizens can apply for the new health card by picking up an EHIC form at their local Post Office, but Chris Davies warns that applications are taking up to 21 days to process. He wants holidaymakers to leave plenty of time.

Chris said "This is a good example of the EU at its best, extending services, getting rid of red tape, and making it easier for travellers to get treatment easily if they fall ill anywhere in Europe."

"Local holidaymakers with a card should check the expiry date, and those without a card should apply in plenty of time."

The Liberal Democrat Euro-MP has had first hand experience of the card when on holiday in France earlier this year. "My family made use of the new medical card earlier when my daughter had an accident and needed hospital care. It was a great relief to be able to produce it from my pocket and find that the bill I was eventually given amounted to just a couple of euros for incidentals."

The scope of treatment has been extended so that all EU citizens will be entitled to 'medically necessary' care as opposed to the previous narrower limitation of emergency care. This is expected to make it easier for chronically ill people, for example those with diabetes or in need or dialysis, to holiday abroad.

Application forms can be found at Post Offices or can be completed online at: http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Healthcare/Healthadvicefortravellers/index.htm

Related Link:

Link to Healthcare advice for Travellers from the UK to Europe.