Warning issued over medical bills for treatment in Europe
Warning issued over medical bills for treatment in Europe
Also In The News
|
England team manager Martin Johnson has named an unchanged lineup for his side's final Six Nations match against Scotland on Saturday. |  |
Thursday, 19, Mar 2009 08:37
The government has warned UK travellers face hefty medical bills for treatment in Europe, if they do not take appropriate action.
The Department of Health (DoH) issued a statement today urging UK residents to check the renewal date on their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before heading to Europe.
By the end of this month 3.3 million of the cards will have expired and figures show only 292,089 people have so far renewed their EHIC, leaving more than three million with out-of-date cards.
Health minister Dawn Primarolo said in a statement: "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."
The EHIC replaced the E111 form in 2005 and entitles people to reduced costs or free state-provided healthcare in most European countries should they fall ill or have an accident.
The card can be renewed online or over the phone and can also be renewed up to six months in advance of expiry.