The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is available free to all British Nationals, it ensures your right to state provided healthcare in the EEA (European Economic Area) and Switzerland and replaced the old E111 form in 2006.

It's important to remember that although the EHIC entitles you to state provided healthcare when you are travelling within the EEA and Switzerland it is not a replacement for travel insurance, particularly if you have pre-existing medical conditions.

What does the EHIC provide?

The EHIC entitles you to state provided healthcare in the European Economic Area and Switzerland, however, it's important to remember that the level and quality of state healthcare may not be of the same standard as we would expect from the NHS and it may not be free.

What the EHIC doesn't provide and why you need travel insurance

Many tourists think that carrying a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is enough to cover any medical emergency whilst on holiday in Europe. But the European Health Insurance Card should never be used as a replacement for travel insurance as it doesn't provide suitable cover on its own.

The EHIC does not cover all medical costs and it won't cover the cost of your repatriation back to the UK, whereas travel insurance does.

An important part of the medical expenses section of a travel insurance policy is repatriation cover; this covers the cost or your repatriation back to the UK if your illness or injury means that you are unable to travel on your original pre-booked transport. This could be by air ambulance, or on an alternative scheduled flight, accompanied by a nurse if necessary. Repatriation is covered by travel insurance, but not by an EHIC.

Some British travellers have found themselves been stranded in Europe after sustaining severe injuries or illnesses, because they thought their EHIC would be enough to cover all their expenses. Don't get caught out. Buy comprehensive travel insurance to accompany your EHIC to ensure you have full cover.

In addition to medical and repatriation expenses, a comprehensive travel insurance policy will also provide cover for your personal possessions whilst you are away, cancellation cover and much more.

What about pre-existing medical conditions?

The situation with an EHIC and travel insurance is the same if you have pre-existing medical conditions. An EHIC entitles you to state provided health care in the EEA, regardless of whether the medical treatment is related to a pre-existing medical condition, however as we mentioned above it doesn't cover all medical treatment and will not cover repatriation. For full medical and repatriation cover you will need travel insurance.

If you have pre-existing medical condition you should have comprehensive travel insurance with cover for pre-existing medical conditions every time you travel. Remember to declare all your medical conditions when you buy travel insurance, no matter how insignificant they may seem.

An EHIC can save you money!

Although an EHIC shouldn't replace travel insurance, it is still worth carrying one with you when you travel within Europe.

Some travel insurance providers will reduce or waive the excess payable on a travel insurance claim if you used your EHIC when you received medical treatment abroad and it resulted in the reduction of the medical costs payable by the insurer. Depending on the level of excess on your travel insurance policy this could save you up to a few hundred pounds - so it is worth having an EHIC in your wallet.

Check your travel insurance terms and conditions for details if this applies to your travel insurance policy.

How to apply for an EHIC

It's easy to apply for an EHIC; you can apply online or by phone and you should receive your card within a few days. If you've had your EHIC for a while check that it is still valid before you travel.

• The EHIC is free to all British nationals
• Apply for your EHIC online quickly and conveniently at www.ehic.org.uk.
• You can also apply by calling 0845 606 2030 or by filling out an application form at your local post office.
• Your EHIC is valid for up to five years.
• Each traveller should have their own EHIC, including children.