WARNING FOR NORTH WEST HOLIDAYMAKERS

North West holidaymakers have been warned to make sure that they have an up to date European Health Insurance Card if they are travelling abroad this summer.

Latest figures suggests that 30,500,000 people in Britain, about half the population, now have one of the new insurance cards that provide access to medical treatment in all EU countries.

But Liberal Democrat Euro-MP Chris Davies says that every year there are holidaymakers who incur unnecessary medical expenses because they have forgotten to apply for one of the free cards.

Davies, who sits on the European Parliament’s public health committee, said that the card is one of the best examples of European Union partnership but its benefits vary from country to country.

“British citizens with the card have the right to medical help on the same terms as the local residents, but arrangements differ and healthcare is not free everywhere.”

Every family member needs their own European Health Insurance Card.  It can be obtained online from www.ehic.org.uk, by telephoning 0845 606 2030, or by completing a form from the Post Office.