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Liz LynneLiberal Democrat MEP for the West Midlands 1999-2012 |
PACK YOUR EURO HEALTH CARD, SAYS MEP
May 30, 2008 12:11 PM
With the holiday season on the horizon, Liberal Democrat Euro-MP Liz Lynne is reminding local people to pack their European Health Insurance Card when travelling throughout the European Union, Switzerland, Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein.
Recent figures show that since fully replacing the old 'E' forms over two years ago, just 30% of Europeans have applied for the new card, despite it cutting down on administration and simplifying access to healthcare on holiday.
Local LibDem MEP Liz Lynne says the new card gives greater confidence and security to travellers:
"The credit card style pass is a vast improvement on the old E111. It gives far more convenient access to a wider range of treatments should you fall ill on holiday elsewhere in the EU and in Switzerland, Iceland, Norway or Liechtenstein. It is handier to carry than the old forms and speeds up access to services, so it is a must for regular travellers to these other European countries.
"The European Health Insurance Card is a good example of the EU at its best, extending services, getting rid of red tape and bringing down barriers. With easy applications over the internet, by phone or through the post office, which take up to 21 days, there's no excuse to be caught short if emergency treatment is needed."
ENDS
Notes:
• Applications can be made on-line at www.ehic.org.uk, by phoning 0845 606 2030 or by visiting your local post office.
• The card lasts for 3-5 years and entitles you to receive free or reduced-cost state-provided emergency healthcare when visiting European Economic Area (EEA) countries, (i.e. European Union Member States, Liechtenstein, Iceland and Norway), plus Switzerland.
• If you or any of your dependants are suddenly taken ill or have an accident during your visit to any of these countries, free or reduced-cost necessary treatment is available - in most cases on production of a valid EU Health Insurance Card.
• But, importantly, it must be remembered that the card is not a substitute for comprehensive travel insurance, and would not cover something like repatriation should the worst come to the worst. More details available on the EHIC website: www.ehic.org.uk.
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