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| Michael Palin |
Michael Palin has trekked the Sahara desert, been around the world in eighty days and gone Pole to Pole - so his travel advice is definitely worth hearing.
He is encouraging holidaymakers to be prepared for health emergencies by getting an E111 certificate before they head off to Europe.
Backing the Department of Health’s campaign to inform the public about the benefits of E111 cover, he said:
“No-one wants to get sick on holiday. But if you do you’ll be glad you packed your ticket to saving money, hassle and time if you need medical treatment.”
The E111 form is free and entitles people to reduced cost sometimes free necessary medical treatment if they fall ill or have an accident whilst visiting any of 28 European countries. It also covers people for treatment for chronic illnesses (such as diabetes), maternity care, illnesses they had before they went away, and other things such as kidney dialysis and oxygen therapy (by prior arrangement).
It is still advisable to have travel insurance as the E111 does not cover some things such as repatriation to the UK. However, travel insurance alone might not be enough to cover all medical care and some travel insurance policies are not valid without an E111.
Health Minister, Rosie Winterton, said:
“We hope everyone stays healthy on holiday. But for people who do need medical care when away, having an up-to-date E111 form can save them from unnecessary worry and expense. The E111 is free, simple to apply for, and in conjunction with travel insurance offers peace of mind that holiday health is covered.”
The campaign was launched to promote the importance of having an up-to-date E111 before travelling to Europe on holiday as any forms issued before 19 August 2004 are now no longer valid.
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European Health
Insurance Card |
From September this year carrying the right holiday health cover will be even easier when the E111 form becomes a durable, handily sized card, known as the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
The card entitles people to all the same benefits as the E111 and can be applied for now simply by ticking the box on the E111 application form.
For more information or to download an E111 form log on to the website below or visit the post office.
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