26th March 2009 - Going away? Don't forget to check your healthcard!

With millions of European Health Insurance Cards (EHICs) held by UK Citizens due to expire in the coming weeks MEP Linda McAvan, who represents Yorkshire, is urging people who are travelling to other EU countries soon to check that theirs is still valid.

The European Health Insurance Card, which replaced the E111 form in 2005, ensures that millions of Britons are covered for emergency healthcare when they travel to other EU countries. But millions of cards now need to be renewed and Linda McAvan is warning travellers, particularly with the Easter break ahead, to check the expiry date on their EHIC card before they travel.

Only 292,089 people have renewed their EHIC so far. This means that 3.3 million people have an out-of-date card.

Linda said;

"Thanks to European law the EHIC card guarantees you reduced-cost or free state emergency care in any of the other 26 Member States of the EU. If you travel without it and you have an accident, you could end up with a big bill for hospital treatment. It’s not worth taking the risk.”

To renew or obtain an EHIC, call the EHIC Application Line on 0845 606 2030 or apply online at www.ehic.org.uk.

Travellers are still advised to take out travel insurance before they set off, as the healthcard may not cover additional costs associated with an accident or illness, such as repatriation costs.