EHIC not a "substitute for travel insurance"

Posted : 26-01-2006

The new European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is to be introduced this month, replacing the E111.

However, despite a more comprehensive-sounding title, holidaymakers are being warned that the EHIC is not a substitute for travel insurance. Nevertheless, American Express is encouraging travellers to read through the new document in order to minimise the disruption caused by a medical emergency.

UK residents carrying the new EHIC are entitled to free or reduced cost healthcare depending on the country they are visiting, but Joanne Field, marketing manager, American Express warned: "This card should not be carried as a substitute for travel insurance.

"It is a great shame that the word insurance has been included in the name of this new card. Anyone having a serious accident abroad would discover at the worst time possible that this EHIC card would not pay for repatriation to Britain, or for the cost of a relative to join and remain with the injured party abroad - costs that good travel insurance will pay out on."

The group's warning was supported by their own research which concluded that 30 per cent of all European travel insurance claims relate to medical expenses. However, in countries such as the US this rises to two-thirds.

While the average travel insurance medical claim is £2,912, travellers with travel insurance can claim up to 28 days after returning from holiday. However, those relying on the EHIC are advised to claim for a refund for treatment whilst they are still abroad.

People going on holiday on the Continent should also check which countries the EHIC includes, as the card covers places that are not part of the EU, such Switzerland but does not cover Bulgaria and Montenegro.


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