EHICs do not replace family holiday insurance

People should carry a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) with them when they travel abroad but it is not an alternative to travel insurance. That is according to the Post Office, which suggested that it is "essential" for Brits to carry their EHIC on holidays in other member nations of the European Union because it provides free or reduced-cost treatments.

That being said, Rachel Croft, head of travel insurance at the Post Office, warned holidaymakers that they should not feel the EHIC replaces any need for a comprehensive holiday insurance policy. "It won't cover costs such as mountain rescue, repatriation or lost baggage - so we urge people to ensure they are fully covered against all eventualities," she said.

To highlight the importance of being fully prepared for the worst, it pointed to several case studies suggesting that skiing accidents typically cost travellers between £4,000 and £10,500. Last month, moneysupermarket.com urged people with travel insurance to check their policies to see if they are covered for flight delays as a result of bad weather.

news source : http://www.world-first.co.uk/