British tourists risk not being covered when travelling to Europe this year. 2.3 million Britons travelled within the EU in the past 12 months and did not take out travel insurance because they believed an EHIC card gave them sufficient cover.
American Express Insurance Services says that Brits should be careful not to confuse an EHIC card with travel insurance.
The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)* entitles UK residents to free or reduced cost healthcare depending on the country they are visiting, but unlike a travel insurance policy the EHIC will never cover holiday cancellation, curtailment or repatriation.
Chris Rolland, Head of American Express Insurance Services comments: "European Health Insurance Cards are not a substitute for comprehensive travel insurance so you will not be covered for delays, loss of baggage or cancellations or experience other benefits of having an independent travel insurance policy. EHIC cards are solely for emergency medical treatment in Europe and people must make sure that they have independent, quality travel insurance to ensure that they have comprehensive cover to avoid any unwanted financial difficulties."
Countries covered by European Health Insurance Card:
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Austria
Belgium
Bulgaria
Cyprus (not Northern Cyprus)
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
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Greece
Hungary
Iceland
Ireland
Italy
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
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Netherlands
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Slovak Republic
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
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Travel insurance: News update: August 2008
