Holidaymakers have been urged to check they have a valid European health insurance card or they could be left without protection when travelling on the continent.

About 3m European health insurance cards (EHIC) will expire between September 2008 and March 2009, according to figures released by the Department of Health last week.

The card replaced the E111 form three years ago. It entitles you to reduced-cost or free healthcare in most European countries if you fall ill or have an accident while abroad — but only if it is current.

Dr Hilary Jones, GMTV’s resident GP, said: “I’m concerned that so many holidaymakers have no idea that their EHIC will expire. If you’re travelling in Europe it’s vital that you carry an EHIC, as well as comprehensive travel insurance. If you become ill or get injured on holiday, the last thing you want to be thinking about is paying unnecessary medical bills, which could cost thousands.

“Carrying your EHIC will give you peace of mind that you’ll be looked after if something does go wrong — but only if it is in date. Many of the EHICs issued in 2005 and early 2006 will need renewing soon, so make sure you check the expiry date on your EHIC today.”

It is important to have travel insurance as well as a health card because the latter covers you only for emergency treatment, and not the costs of returning home, for example.

If you travel abroad more than once a year, you would probably benefit from taking out annual rather than single-trip cover.

Data released recently by Travelsupermarket.com shows that for a couple on a multi-trip policy covering Europe, the annual premium is £40 with Top Dog Insurance, which covers you for £10m medical expenses, £2m personal liability cover, £1,250 cancellation cover, and £500 for baggage cover.

At the other end of the scale, there is Cheap Travel which offers £125 for the same cover as above, £1,000 for cancellation fees and £550 for lost baggage.

The Department of Health study also revealed that when it comes to travelling abroad, 20% of people don’t know when their passport expires. More than 4.2m British people have had to rush to the Passport Office in the weeks prior to their holiday to renew their documents, and 1.2m have even missed out on a holiday because their passport was out of date.

Paul Siddell, overseas healthcare programme manager at the Department of Health, added: “This report highlights the value of checking all your important documents. If you find your EHIC is out-of-date it is very easy to renew online or over the phone. It can also be done up to six months in advance of expiry.”

To renew or obtain an EHIC, go to www.dh.gov.uk/travellers or call 0845 606 2030. For further information call the EHIC enquiries line on 0845 605 0707.

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