Labour MEP for Yorkshire & Humber, Richard Corbett, has warned travellers heading abroad to check that their European Health Insurance Card is still valid before they set off on their trip.
The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which guarantees free emergency treatment in all EU countries, was first issued in 2005 but over three million of the cards will expire by the end of March.
Richard said: "Thousands and thousands of people in Yorkshire & Humber travel to other EU countries each year and, thanks to the European Health Insurance Card, are covered for free emergency treatment should they need it. However, there are also thousands and thousands of people in Yorkshire & Humber with cards about to expire and anyone planning to go abroad for work or holiday should check their card is still valid before leaving. New or replacements cards are free."
Richard also stressed the importance of travel insurance to anyone travelling abroad.
He said: "While the EHIC offers free emergency treatment in the EU it does not cover other costs that may arise with medical problems overseas, such as repatriation, holiday cancellation or follow-up treatment and for this they will need travel insurance. Anyone who travels abroad, no matter where or how short the trip, should ensure they do not leave without a valid travel insurance policy."
- To obtain or renew a European Health Insurance Card and receive it in 10 days ring 0845 606 2030 or visit www.ehic.org.uk
- People can renew their EHIC up to six months in advance of its expiry date.
- The EHIC replaced the E111 form in 2005. The EHIC means that travellers who fall ill or have an accident will receive emergency state-provided healthcare for reduced costs or for free in the 27 European Member States, on the same basis as local residents receive care.
- The EHIC only covers you for publicly provided healthcare services, so if travellers don't have private health insurance (which their separate holiday insurance should cover) they should make it clear they want to be treated in a public hospital if they fall ill.
more information
Press enquiries: Contact Luke Thorne, Press and Communications Officer to Richard Corbett MEP
- phone 0113 245 8987
- e-mail luke@richardcorbett.org.uk
© 2003-2006 Richard Corbett MEP