Travellers warned to carry valid EHIC cards

Even those with travel insurance could have problems without EHIC cards.

Travel Insurance News - 09/08/2010

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Millions of European travellers on holidays in Europe risk having claims delayed, partly-reimbursed or rejected unless they travel with valid EHIC cards. Millions of people are travelling with expired cards or with no cards at all. Experts warn that travel insurance companies are increasingly applying clauses that allow them to reduce their coverage or suspend it altogether in cases where the insured party has no valid EHIC card.

Bob Atkins of Moneysupermarket.com warns that some insurers may refuse to pay a claim if you travelled without a valid EHIC card. In other cases, insurers could waive the excess if you use an EHIC treatment for your medical treatment. However, it is vitally important to ensure you are carrying a fully up-to-date EHIC card as well as full travel insurance while you travel in the European Economic Area.

It is by no means certain that an insurer will refuse a claim if you don’t have an EHIC card but the card is free and can come in very useful. An EHIC card provides the holder with medical attention in European Union countries on the same basis as they would receive at home. It can also be used in some countries outside the EU, such as Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein.

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