Department of Health and Social Care
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British holidaymakers too worried about the cost of healthcare to seek medical treatment abroad
-Free EHIC card would give travellers peace of mind-
A new survey released today by the Department of Health reveals that while almost 50% of British travellers have become ill or injured on holiday, 35% of these have delayed, often essential, medical treatment until they return home. The main reasons given for not seeking treatment abroad are concerns about the potential cost and lack of travel insurance.
The survey also revealed that many travellers have admitted to buying treatment over the counter that they do not understand due to language barriers and unfamiliar terms.
However, British travellers are putting themselves needlessly at risk as a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) will entitle them to reduced cost or free healthcare in most European countries. The research showed that nearly three in five people claim to have an EHIC, but 68% of these don't know when it expires.
Almost 3.3 million EHICs will have expired by the end of March 2009. Travellers with out-of-date EHICs who require medical treatment will have to cover the cost themselves or claim on their travel insurance.
Dr Hilary Jones, GMTV's resident GP says: "I'm concerned that so many holidaymakers are needlessly putting their health at risk, when a valid EHIC will provide them with access to reduced cost or even free treatment. By delaying treatment until you return home, you are potentially allowing a condition to worsen in the meantime.
"Nobody should ever take any medicines, even those sold over the counter in a pharmacy, if they don't understand the labelling, dosing guidance or warnings on side-effects. This is reckless behaviour and could lead to serious harm.
"If you're travelling in Europe, it is vital that you carry a valid EHIC, as well as comprehensive travel insurance. The last thing you want to be thinking about when you're on holiday is paying unnecessary medical bills, which could cost thousands of pounds. The EHIC card will give you peace of mind that you'll be looked after if something does go wrong - but only if it is in date. Check your EHIC now to ensure it has not expired - it's quick and easy to apply for a new card."
To renew or obtain an EHIC, log on to http://www.nhs.uk/healthcareabroad or call 0845 606 2030. For further information call the EHIC enquiries line on 0845 605 0707.
Ends
For more information on the EHIC please email Nicola.richards@trimediauk.com or marina.elsidaoui@trimediauk.com or call 020 7027 7500.
Notes to Editors
1. Survey commissioned by the Department of Health, carried out by tickbox.net in February-March 2009 with a total sample size of 2,178.
2. You will need a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to receive healthcare that becomes necessary during a visit to a European Economic Area (EEA) country or Switzerland. The EHIC replaces the E111 form, which is no longer valid.
3. The EHIC can be used to cover any necessary medical treatment due to either an accident or illness within the European Economic Area (EEA).
4. The EHIC can be used in most European countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus (not northern Cyprus), Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden & Switzerland
5. The EHIC entitles the holder to state-provided medical treatment within the country they are visiting and the service provided will be the same as received by a person covered by the country's 'insured' medical scheme.
6. EHIC is not a replacement for travel insurance. Comprehensive private travel insurance is recommended for visits to all countries, regardless of whether you are covered by your EHIC. Private travel insurance will cover any contribution which is not reimbursable, as well as other eventualities not covered by the EHIC. Some travel insurance policies are not valid without an EHIC (always check the terms and conditions).
7. The EHIC won't cover you if getting medical treatment is the main purpose of your trip.
8. Online applications will be delivered the quickest (within seven days), with telephone applications being delivered within ten days.
9. Breakdown of numbers of EHICs that expire between September 2008 and March 2009:-
Month Number of EHICs expiring
September 2008 731,921
October 2008 729,621
November 2008 353,306
December 2008 343,272
January 2009 369,850
February 2009 367,323
March 2009 364,312
Statistics for sign off - for use in the broadcast day:
- 49% have experienced an illness or injury on holiday that required some form of medical attention (e.g. pharmacy/ hospital/ doctor)
- 35% of those becoming ill/ injured on holiday have waited until returning to the UK before seeking treatment
- 46% of those who have become unwell on holiday have cited worrying about the cost of the treatment as the main reason for not seeking medical treatment (this includes not having travel insurance and not having an EHIC)
- 69% of people feeling unwell on holiday have bought/ taken medicine from a pharmacy without seeing or seeking medical advise from a doctor
- 32% have used medicine whilst abroad without understanding the labelling/packaging (e.g. due to language difficulties and unfamiliar terms)
- 57% have a European Health Insurance Card
- 68% do not know when their European Health Insurance Card expires
- 14% never buy travel insurance or take a European Health Insurance Card when travelling in Europe
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