It is a bit of a confusing issue that catches many people out, the difference between the EHIC card and travel insurance. A common mistake made is to assume the EHIC card is a form of travel insurance, but it is actually completely separate and you should make sure you have both before going on holiday.

The EHIC card is there as a physical form of an agreement made between the UK’s NHS system and the European Union nations. The EHIC it entitles you to free or reduced cost state health care in the European Union. Basically you are treated like a national of the country and entitled to the same healthcare benefits that they are. Travel insurance on the other hand covers you against the cost of all emergency health care treatment.

The main differences between the EHIC card and travel insurance are that the EHIC card covers non-private medical assistance whereas travel insurance covers you for such events as travel delays, cancellations, theft, mugging, hijacking and lost luggage. Travel insurance also covers you for any private medical services including ambulance transport, GPs and specialists. Your EHIC card is also only valid within the EU, if you are travelling outside of the EU you need to have travel insurance in order to be covered for medical expenses.

It is important if you are heading to the European Union that you have both travel insurance and an EHIC card. It is also vital that you make sure your EHIC is valid, as they do have an expiry date, so it is important to check it before you travel. It is quite easy to apply for a new EHIC card and you can do it up to 6 months in advance of your old one expiring.

Have a look online at what http://endsleigh.co.uk can offer you, and the policies they have available.