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Extra mile
Your online magazine from Kwik Fit insurance
Avoid a holiday from hell
Half the UK's holidaymakers could be in for a nasty surprise this year, as new figures reveal only 50% of Britons hold a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
The EHIC card offers healthcare in other European countries should a British citizen fall ill or become injured. It offers the peace of mind that, if the worst happens, British holidaymakers will be treated with the same level of healthcare as a citizen of the country they're in.
Everyone resident in the UK should carry an EHIC card with them when abroad, yet only about 30 million Britons have signed up. It covers them not only in the EU but also Iceland, Norway and Switzerland.
“The EHIC card is one of the great advantages of the UK being part of the European Union, as it offers British citizens the same consumer protection as others in the EU,” said Europe Minister Glenys Kinnock. “The benefits of EU membership extend beyond healthcare, to other aspects of our summer holidays such as mobile phone charges and safe sunscreen.”
It should also be remembered the EHIC isn't an alternative to travel insurance – it doesn't cover private healthcare or the cost of things such as mountain rescue, repatriation to the UK or lost or stolen property.
Sign up for a European Health Insurance Card
Read more summer holiday advice in our downloadable travel A-Z
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