More than six million British travellers to Europe could be missing out on their right to cheap or free emergency medical care after a “dramatic fall” in numbers with valid healthcare cards.
The warning has come from Insurancewith, which specialises in travel insurance cover for those with pre-existing medical conditions.
In 2018, more than 26.6 million Brits had a European Health Insurance Card (Ehic) which entitles travellers to emergency health care at the same cost as locals in 27 EU countries plus Switzerland.
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But Insurancewith said the latest NHS figures show that those with a valid Ehic and those covered by the new Global Health Insurance Card (Ghic) replacement card have fallen to just over 20 million – a difference of more than 6.5 million.
In many European countries, including Spain, emergency treatment is discounted or even free with an Ehic or Ghic.
Insurancewith said having access to this type of protection is particularly important for those travelling abroad with a medical condition.
Fiona Macrae (pictured), Insurancewith founder, said: “These health cards are particularly important for people with pre-existing medical conditions because they can contribute towards the cost of emergency medical treatment while in Europe.
“However, I would stress that Ehic or Ghic health cards are not a replacement for travel insurance.
“For example, they won’t provide cover for the cost of flying you home in the event of a medical emergency – also known as repatriation costs.”
She cited the example of a British holidaymaker who sustained severe neck injuries in Cyprus after hitting their head on the bottom of a swimming pool.
Their Ghic covered the £20,000 medical bill for emergency surgery, and their travel insurance covered the £25,000 air ambulance costs to bring them back to the UK.
Macrae continued: “You may not be fit enough to take a standard flight or you may need a medical escort, or to book more than one seat so you have more room.
“All of these situations would be covered, where medically necessary, by your travel insurance policy.”