Insuring Your health 

Living in the UK it is easy to forget that elsewhere healthcare is expensive. Within the EU there are mutual healthcare agreements, but these don’t always cover all expenses – such as an ambulance home – so it is a good idea to take out travel insurance for your trip. If you are travelling outside the EU travel insurance is vital.

If you go aboard more than once a year, it can be cheaper to buy annual multi-trip insurance rather than single trip insurance. Check with your travel agent or on the internet.

Before travelling in the EU you should obtain an E111 form. This gives UK residents free or reduced cost emergency treatment if you become ill or have an accident while when travelling in the EU. The form is free and is available from the post office. You must fill it in and get it stamped and signed by the post office or you will not be able to use it.

The E111 ceases to be valid from January 2006 as it is being replaced with a insurance card. This card is already in use in many European countries and will be issued in the UK in 2005.