It has been revealed that more than half of Britons travelling to Europe rely too much on their European Health Insurance Cards, (EHIC) when in fact they cover you for less than you may think.

The EHIC cards entitles you to reduced-cost or free healthcare in most European countries if you fall ill or have an accident while abroad.

It can be used to cover any necessary medical treatment due to either an accident or illness and entitles the holder to state-provided medical treatment within the country they are visiting and providing you are a UK resident, is quite simple to apply for.

Aware

Cardholders should be aware however that this is not a free pass to all types of medical care. A survey by Sainsbury’s Travel has found that an average cardholder has had to fork out £386 to settle bills not covered by their little piece of plastic.

The poll has revealed that from 1,011 adults 10% had used their card for medical treatment while residing in Europe. Such ailments as flu, heatstroke, winter sport activities, and heart problems were the illness diagnosed, some were covered, and some were not, the most worrying aspect being that a fraction of those polled had not taken out any other provision instead relying solely on the EHIC.

Sainsbury's Travel Insurance manager Sam Marrs said: "Many people wrongly overlook travel insurance because they think their EHIC will cover them when they are abroad. But it will not cover you for private medical care, nor will it pay for you to be airlifted off a ski slope or repatriated to the UK. By not having travel insurance, many people are taking on a great risk when they travel in Europe."

Accident

This note of pessimism was echoed by Norwich Union who advises caution for holidaymakers who rely on the card solely to cover them for an accident.

People should bear in mind that the level of cover provided by the EHIC card depends on the country visited and may not cover all treatment costs and services like mountain rescue and repatriation. The EHIC should be seen as complementary to travel insurance, not as an alternative", said a spokesperson.

To reaffirm this belief the British Insurance Brokers Association has also put their hat into the debate ring. They state that those travelling abroad to indulge in what could be considered dangerous activities will find themselves in problems if no other cover is secured.

Dangerous

Graeme Trudgill, technical and corporate affairs executive for the British Insurance Brokers' Association, explained that ski slopes usually only have private medical centres and thus a private bill will be issued.

Mr Trudgill stated, "according to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), ski slopes are among the top five locations for injury while on holiday and the chances of getting hurt are therefore very high."

Unfortunately this message does not seem to be getting through to travellers as research by esure has found that 18 per cent of skiers would not buy travel insurance even if they did not have the EHIC card as they are intent on cutting costs wherever they can.