British holidaymakers too
worried about the cost of healthcare to seek medical treatment abroad
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
News Release issued by COI News Distribution Service on 26 March 2009
-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 Travellers with out-of-date EHICs who require medical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