FCO warns travellers that EHIC does not replace travel insurance

After recent research showed that over half of British travellers wrongly believe that an EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) entitles them to free emergency medical care anywhere in Europe, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) is reminding travellers of the importance of taking out travel insurance as well.

The EHIC is important for British travellers to Europe because it proves your right to state provided health care, and in some cases this may be free or at a reduced cost.

Many travel insurance providers, including insurewithease.com will also reduce or waive the excess on a claim for medical costs if an EHIC was used when obtaining treatment.

It is important to remember that the EHIC does not always entitle you to free medical treatment or cover the full cost of medical treatment in Europe. It also does not cover for cost of medical repatriation back to the UK if you need it.

Lynda St Cooke of the Foreign Office's Know Before You Go Campaign said: “It is worrying that so many British EHIC holders are not aware of what the card entitles them to. If you are travelling in Europe, you should definitely take your EHIC. But it is also important to take out comprehensive travel insurance before you travel”.

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