Research reveals that almost 4.5 million European Health Insurance Cards – which could entitle the bearer to free or cheaper health care within the EU – will expire this year

Almost 4.5 million European Health Insurance Cards (EHICs) will expire this year, research suggests. Experts are warning holidaymakers to check their cards, remembering it takes around a week for a new one to arrive after being ordered. The cards, which replaced the E111 in 2006, are wallet essentials for travellers. They entitle the bearer to the same level of state medical care given to the residents of the country they are in, meaning that the treatment may be provided for free or at a reduced cost. EHICs are only eligible within European Economic Area (EEA) countries, which includes all 27 members of the European Union, plus Switzerland, Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein. The EHIC is not accepted in Turkey as it is not a member of the EU or the EEA. Although the cards do not act as a full replacement for travel cover, having one could mean you avoid paying an excess if you have to claim for medical care on your insurance.....Read more here

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