Health travel advice

East Antrim MP Sammy Wilson has issued a timely warning to holiday makers not to be taken in by websites offering European Health Insurance Cards at a cost.
East Antrim MP Sammy Wilson.East Antrim MP Sammy Wilson.
East Antrim MP Sammy Wilson.

Mr Wilson said that when people are planning holidays in Europe they want to be covered for accidents and emergencies whilst abroad.

He added: “The European Health Insurance cards which are free of charge for people who are ordinarily resident in the United Kingdom will entitle them to basic health care when in other European Countries. However, it is not a substitute for travel insurance which travellers are also encouraged to purchase.

“A number of sponsoring advertisements lead people onto websites where European Health Insurance Cards are offered but there is a charge attached to this service. Some of these sites also target other Government services such as applications for MOTs and driving licences etc.”

He continued: “For those travelling abroad there are three important messages about European Health Insurance Cards. First of all they are free, secondly, if you are being asked to pay for the cards you are not on the official European Health Insurance Card application website and thirdly, further information, including how to apply can be obtained by calling 0300 3301350 or the Government website at www.gov.uk/european-health-insurance-card.

Travellers should also remember that they should have travel insurance as well as the card when travelling to other states in Europe. Proper documentation obviously ensures a happier holiday and a stress free holiday, should health problems arise whilst abroad.