UK travellers warned EHIC card not enough

British holidaymakers on their way to European destinations are being advised to check whether they have adequate travel cover for the trip.

The advice is coming after a report was released by American Express showing that many UK travellers head off to countries such as Spain where they erroneously think that their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) will cover them for any health emergencies.

Figures reported by American Express show that in 2007 over 2.3 million Britons did not purchase travel insurance because they thought having the EHIC was sufficient.

The reality is that the EHIC entitles the cardholder to either free health care or care at a reduced cost, but it does not cover the cost of cancelling a holiday, having to cut short a holiday or being repatriated in the case of a medical emergency.

Chris Rolland, who heads up insurance services at American Express, commented: “With so many Brits planning a summer holiday in Europe this month, travellers should be careful not to rely on European Health Insurance Cards.”

He added: “They 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.”

Although the pound is currently weak against the euro, Spain continues its dominance as a top travel destination for Brits.

www.americanexpress.com