Most Brits still not aware of EHICs

Nearly two-thirds of British adults are not aware of the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) nearly one year after its introduction.

The EHIC was introduced in August 2005 and fully replaced the E111 form at the beginning of the year.

The card performs largely the same function as the old E111, entitling UK travellers to free or reduced cost medical treatment in all EU countries along with Switzerland, Iceland, Norway and Lichtenstein.

But 58 per cent of Brits believe the E111 is still valid when they travel abroad, a survey by Moneysupermarket.com shows.

Not only is the E111 no longer valid, but some travel insurers will not pay out on a claim if a patient is treated abroad without having an EHIC.

Possessing an EHIC could even save you money when shopping around for your travel insurance. Some insurers will waive your excess, saving you as much as £150 in the event of a claim being made.

"The E111 form is now nothing more than a tourist relic, yet with over ten million old-style forms issued in its final three years, huge numbers of holidaymakers will be carrying one around in their travel wallet this summer, under the mistaken assumption that it can help them in an emergency," said Moneysupermarket.com's Richard Mason.

"By contrast, awareness of the replacement card is alarmingly low, despite the fact that it's been around for nearly a year now. Even basic medical treatment in mainland Europe doesn't come cheap, so this card could save you a lot of unexpected financial pain. Worse still, some insurers may not pay out if the claimant hasn't got one."

An EHIC should be presented to medical staff to qualify for the same free state medical treatment as an insured person living in that country. Non-essential treatment can cost extra, and presenting a card after treatment can cause complications.

An EHIC card can be obtained online from the Department of Health website: www.dh.gov.uk/travellers

Alternatively call 0845 606 2030 or pick up a form from the Post Office. The application process can take up to three weeks by post and seven days online. The card is valid for three to five years. XXX