Don't go without your card warns Northgate Councillor

6.02.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 19th Jul 2006

Many Crawley holidaymakers do not know they need to apply for a new card to access free medical treatment across Europe this summer says Northgate Lib Dem Councillor Gordon Seekings.

The warning comes after a national survey has revealed that two out of three sunseekers are not aware that the old E111 form needed to get medical treatment in the EU has been replaced by the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).

The old E111 forms were replaced in January by a credit card style pass that gives EU citizens access to all forms of health care when travelling in Europe. The new EU card extends the type of medical treatment that can be given and means that cardholders can go straight to any local doctor if they fall ill without first registering with local authorities.

All UK citizens can apply for the new health card by picking up an EHIC form at their local Post Office. Gordon has warned though that applications take time to process so he warns that holidaymakers need to leave plenty of time to get the card.

Gordon said "These cards are a good example of the EU at its best, extending services, getting rid of red tape, and making it easier for travellers to get treatment easily if they fall ill anywhere in Europe."

The scope of treatment has been extended so that all EU citizens will be entitled to 'medically necessary' care as opposed to the previous narrower limitation of emergency care. This is expected to make it easier for chronically ill people, for example those with diabetes or in need or dialysis, to holiday abroad.