08 July 2006 Holiday insurance could be invalid
Two out of three people in Britain are unaware of the changes to the European reciprocal health care E111 form a new survey has revealed.
The research, conducted by moneysupermarket.com, shows that 64 per cent of British adults are unaware that they require the new European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) if they plan to travel on the continent and more than half believe the old E111 forms are still valid.
However moneysupermarket.com, warns that holidaymakers not carrying the EHIC in Europe could make their travel insurance policies invalid.
Director of insurance at moneysupermarket.com, Richard Mason, said: "Like the E111 scheme, the new card only offers relatively low level financial reimbursement for basic medical bills and holidaymakers should not view it as a replacement for travel insurance."
Mr Mason added that some travel insurance companies will even waive claimants' excesses if they hold an EHIC, which could lead to savings of up to £150.
The EHIC, which was introduced by the department of health in August 2005, entitles card holders to free or reduced-cost essential medical treatment in all European and EU countries. 
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