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Holidaymakers warned over 'expired' EHICs

(14 Oct 2008)

Going on holiday? – Get a great deal on travel insurance

British holidaymakers have been warned to check that their European Health Insurance Cards (EHICs) are in date before travellling.

According to the Department of Health, around 1.5 million cards are set to expire at the end of October, with a further three million set to expire before March 2009.

EHICs can be used to cover the cost of any necessary medical treatment within the European Economic Area.

Paul Siddell, overseas healthcare programme manager at the Department of Health said: "Many Brits are putting themselves at unnecessary risk by not checking their EHIC expiry date. If you're travelling in Europe it's vital that you carry an EHIC, as well as comprehensive travel insurance."

A recent survey carried out by the department revealed that 52 per cent of Britons are not even aware that the cards have an expiry date.

In related news, a study by travel community TripAdvisor found that 18 per cent of people are planning to travel abroad this autumn.

This article is brought to you by Go Travel Insurance – Specialist in travel insurance and holiday insurance

Going on holiday? – Get a great deal on travel insurance