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Carry travel insurance 'as well as EHIC'
6.08.2008
Britons have been warned not to confuse their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) with travel insurance.
The recommendation comes from American Express Insurance Services, which explains the health card means UK citizens are entitled to free or cheaper medical care in certain countries.
However, it continues, such provision does not cover cancelled holidays or the costs of repatriation.
Chris Rolland, the head of American Express Insurance Services, says the cards are only for emergency healthcare.
"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," he adds.
Recently, travel insurance provider Defaqto urged holidaymakers to make sure they carry their EHIC card with them, noting it can help them receive medical treatment more quickly.
It reminded them to collect such cards in time as they can take as long as three weeks to arrive.
The recommendation comes from American Express Insurance Services, which explains the health card means UK citizens are entitled to free or cheaper medical care in certain countries.
However, it continues, such provision does not cover cancelled holidays or the costs of repatriation.
Chris Rolland, the head of American Express Insurance Services, says the cards are only for emergency healthcare.
"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," he adds.
Recently, travel insurance provider Defaqto urged holidaymakers to make sure they carry their EHIC card with them, noting it can help them receive medical treatment more quickly.
It reminded them to collect such cards in time as they can take as long as three weeks to arrive.