Only half of Brits have EHIC

Only half of British holidaymakers have signed up for the new European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), new research reveals.

The EHIC offers healthcare in other European countries should a British citizen fall ill or become injured. It offers the peace of mind that if the worst happens, British holidaymakers will be treated with the same level of healthcare as a domestic citizen.

Everyone resident in the UK should carry an EHIC card with them when abroad, yet only about 30 million Britons have signed up.

The card covers them not only in the EU but also Iceland, Norway and Switzerland.

It is also important to check the validity of your EHIC card before people travel, as cards have to be renewed every five years. Many countries expect patients to pay towards their treatment, and even with an EHIC people may be expected to do the same.

That said, people can seek reimbursement when back in the UK if this is not possible in the other country.

"The EHIC card is one of the great advantages of the UK being part of the European Union, as it offers British citizens the same consumer protection as others in the EU," said Europe minister Glenys Kinnock.

"The benefits of EU membership extend beyond healthcare, to other aspects of our summer holidays such as mobile phone charges and safe sunscreen."

It should also be remembered the EHIC isn’t an alternative to travel insurance – it doesn’t cover private healthcare or the cost of things such as mountain rescue, repatriation to the UK or lost or stolen property.

travelbite.co.uk staff