Travellers confused over EHIC

Travellers are risking hefty bills by not taking out travel insurance for short break holidays.

It seems many mistakenly believe that the new European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which replaced the E111 in January, is a substitute for travel insurance.

More than 2.5 million travellers are not taking out travel insurance because they do not think they will need it, a study by Tesco Travel Insurance reveals.

But the insurer points out that EHIC is not a substitute for proper cover as several treatments and services are not covered in certain countries.

EHIC, for example, does not cover the cost of being flown home in a medical emergency, which could cost as much as £20,000.

Seventy-five per cent of travellers have no idea that a flight in an air ambulance can cost them this much money.

“Most people think that because a mini break is short, they don’t need to insure themselves against accidents, thefts or cancellations," said Tesco's Allan Burns.

"But our survey has shown that it is wise to do so. The cost of insurance is not high, but the cost of travelling uninsured could very well turn out to be."