European Health Card

Research released by the Department of Health reveals that British people are forgetting to check the validity of documents like car tax, bankcards and passports, which means they may have expired when needed the most.

20% of people don’t know when their passport expires either resulting in 4.2 million¹ Brits rushing to the Passport Office in the weeks prior to their holiday to renew it. A further 1.2 million² have missed out on their holiday because their passport was out of date. In addition, 50% of Brits are not aware that the EHIC has a shelf life.

Paul Siddell, Overseas Healthcare Programme Manager at the Department of Health says: “This report highlights the value of checking all your important documents.  If you find your EHIC is out-of-date it is very easy to renew online or over the phone.  It can also be done up to six months in advance of expiry.”

Three years ago the EHIC replaced the E111 form. It entitles the cardholder to reduced cost or free healthcare in most European countries if they fall ill or have an accident whilst abroad - but only if it is in date.  28 million Britons currently have an EHIC.

Dr Hilary Jones, GMTV’s resident GP also added: “I’m concerned that so many holidaymakers have no idea that their EHIC will expire. If you're travelling in Europe it's vital that you carry an EHIC, as well as comprehensive travel insurance.  If you become ill or get injured on holiday, the last thing you want to be thinking about is paying unnecessary medical bills, which could cost thousands.”

EHIC entitles UK residents travelling in Europe to free or reduced-cost, state-provided medical care in these European countries:

Travellers can apply for an EHIC online through www.dh.gov.uk/travellers or call 0845 606 2030. For further information call the EHIC enquiries line on 0845 605 0707.

Please note:

The E111 form is no longer valid. You will need a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to receive necessary healthcare during a visit to a European Economic Area (EEA) country or Switzerland.

The EHIC can be used to cover any necessary medical treatment due to either an accident or illness within the European Economic Area (EEA).

The EHIC entitles the holder to state-provided medical treatment within the country they are visiting and the service provided will be the same as received by a person covered by the country's 'insured' medical scheme.

EHIC is not a replacement for travel insurance. You are advised to take out comprehensive private travel insurance for visits to all countries, regardless of whether you are covered by your EHIC. Private travel insurance will cover any contribution which is not reimbursable, as well as other eventualities not covered by the EHIC.

The EHIC won't cover you if getting planned medical treatment is the main purpose of your trip.

EHIC is free of charge.