13 September 2005 Euro breaks
Britons have been reminded that simply carrying their E111 forms when travelling to other European destinations will not be enough if they become ill.
While many believe that the forms mean that they are entitled to free or reduced medical treatment anywhere inside the European Union, the forms do not cover all medical requirements, and therefore relying on the documents as a substitute for adequate travel cover may not be enough.
Insurers in the UK are warning people that, should they be treated at a private medical centre in the event of a medical emergency, private care is not provided for by the E111 forms, thereby leaving travellers open to large medical bills.
"People don’t associate these trips with 'proper holidays', so they will let the insurance side slip," commented Derek Ketteridge, director of Getaway Travel Insurance.
But he warned: "They’re taking a big risk."
A spokesperson for the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) confirmed this position, telling the Times that many people do not consider travel insurance to be important when taking short European trips.
The E111 form is to be replaced by the European Health Insurance Card, but insurers are also warning that this will not bring an end to the need for travel insurance when travelling to other European Union countries. 
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