17 January 2006 Travel insurance urged after change to EU health rules
Holidaymakers are being urged to ensure they have adequate travel insurance as changes to the rules governing medical treatment on the Continent have been announced.
Travellers now need a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to receive any necessary healthcare, rather than the E111 form which is no longer valid.
If in possession of an EHIC, people are entitled to reduced-cost (and sometimes free) medical treatment in European Union (EU) member states, as well as Iceland, Lichtenstein and Norway. Switzerland will also apply the rules through an agreement with the EU.
However, the EHIC only guarantees state provided medical treatment and is not a substitute for travel insurance. Services that are provided free of charge by the UK's National Health Service might not be guaranteed under the EHIC and some travellers may have to make a contribution to the cost of their care.
"It is essential that travellers also take out travel insurance to cover their trip," said Jenny Carter-Vaughan, managing director of Affinity Select Insurance Services.
The EHIC will normally be valid for three to five years and will cover treatment needed in the event of an accident or illness. 
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