EHIC no substitute for good holiday travel insurance

Holidaymakers are being warned to make sure they are completely prepared for travelling abroad and to be fully aware of

Travel Insurance News - 26/01/2006

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Holidaymakers are being warned to make sure they are completely prepared for travelling abroad and to be fully aware of the implications of the new European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).

American Express Travel Insurance is telling travellers to ensure that they have a good holiday travel insurance policy that covers all potential expenses, regardless of whether they are EHIC holders or not.

Although EHIC does entitle holders to reduced or free medical treatment in some countries, it does not offer all the cover provided by a good holiday travel insurance policy, nor is it valid in countries such as Bulgaria and Serbia and Montenegro.

Joanne Field, marketing manager at American Express Travel Insurance, warned: 'This card should not be carried as a substitute for travel insurance. It is a great shame that the word insurance has been included in the name of this new card.

'Anyone having a serious accident abroad would discover at the worst time possible that this EHIC card would not pay for repatriation to Britain, or for the cost of a relative to join and remain with the injured party abroad - costs that good travel insurance will pay out on.'

Whether you are an EHIC holder or not, you should not travel abroad uninsured. You can book cheap travel insurance online.

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