Renew Your EHIC Card

Many British travellers now make sure they have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) when they travel. This card enables you to receive free or reduced cost medical treatment in all European Area Countries and Switzerland. However, some people do not realise that there is an expiry date on the card and that they need to apply to renew it.

According the direct.gov.co.uk currently 28 million UK citizens have an EHIC, but three million of these will have expired by the end of March 2009. Travel companies have reported that less and less people are taking out travel insurance in a bid to save the pennies and they are relying on their EHIC cards to pay cover them for ill health abroad.

Martin Lewis, consumer champion, says, 'Everyone travelling to Europe should ensure they've got an EHIC. It's a no-brainer. It's totally free, and entitles you to the same treatment in any EU or Swiss hospital as a local would get, at the same price. So if they would get free or discounted medical cover so do you.

It's not exactly arduous either. It only takes a couple of minutes to get one, or renew it if you're one of the worryingly large number of people who are letting old cards lapse - and it's hugely valuable free, added protection.

Though don't see it as an alternative to travel insurance, as it doesn't provide baggage cover, cancellation cover, and you may need to pay some costs, but it's a strong addition to it."

There are different rules that apply to each country however and it is important to check when you are travelling so that you are clear what you need to do if you fall ill abroad. Health Insurance News UK explains some of the pitfalls that you may experience.

The general rule is that it is better to have comprehensive travel insurance before you travel, however failing that the EHIC is essential and also useful even if you have travel insurance. Churchill, insist on policy holders having an EHIC card and as a benefit waive card holder’s excess.

Finally, it is possible to get health insurance abroad with some medical health insurance policies. For example, in the Standard Life, Prime Care Plus policy you will benefit from World Wide Travel cover for up to 90 days in any one year whether you are travelling for business or pleasure.