If you are about to travel to Europe you should check the renewal date on your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). More than three million will have expired by the end of March, leaving many travellers at risk of hefty medical bills.
European Health Insurance Card
The EHIC replaced the E111 form in 2005. The EHIC means that should you fall ill or have an accident you will get reduced costs or free state-provided healthcare in most European countries.
However, only 292,089 people have renewed their EHIC so far. This means that 3.3 million people have an out-of-date card.
Health Minister Dawn Primarolo said: “”Anyone travelling with an expired EHIC is putting themselves at risk – they will not be covered for basic medical care.”
“”It is vital that UK residents holidaying in Europe carry their EHIC and take out adequate travel insurance to avoid having to pay out unnecessarily for medical costs that could be covered by a valid EHIC.””
Renew your EHIC
The EHIC can be renewed online or over the phone and will be delivered within ten days.
It can also be renewed up to six months in advance of expiry.
To renew or obtain an EHIC, call the EHIC Application Line on 0845 606 2030 or apply online using the link below :
- Travel health and the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
- Travel insurance
- Apply for a European Health Insurance Card
