British holidaymakers have been reminded for the umpteenth time that making sure they travel with a valid European Health Insurance Card is as vital as purchasing a comprehensive travel insurance policy.

This reminder comes from the Department of Health, even as it was revealed that up to 1.5 million people leave themselves open to risk.

The Department of Health further warned that the cards of at least 1.5 million of the 28 million Britons with EHIC would expired at the end of this month.

Reports said that about 3 million people may not enjoy the benefits of basic medical assistance while travelling on the continent as their cards expire between September this year and March 2009.

“Many Brits are putting themselves at unnecessary risk by not checking their EHIC expiry date. If you are travelling in Europe it’s vital that you carry an EHIC, as well as comprehensive travel insurance,” advised overseas healthcare programme manager at the Department of Health, Paul Siddell.