Travel insurance cover neglected by millions of Brits

26th August, 2008

Travel insurance cover is being shunned by millions of Britons who mistakenly believe that their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) provides them with sufficient protection when holidaying in the EU, it has been discovered.

A study conducted by American Express Insurance Services, which provides a range of insurance as well as travel insurance cover, found that 2.3 million Britons who travelled in Europe over the last 12 months did not take out travel insurance cover. The reason given by the group for going without travel insurance cover was that they believed that their EHIC card would adequately protect them.

In fact, this is not the case, according to American Express. This is because while the EHIC entitles holders to free or reduced cost healthcare depending on the country they are visiting, it does not cover people for holiday cancellation, curtailment or repatriation in the way that travel insurance cover does.

Chris Rolland, head of American Express Insurance Services, commented: "With so many Brits planning a summer holiday in Europe this month, travellers should be careful not to rely on European Health Insurance Cards. They are not a substitute for comprehensive travel insurance cover so you will not be covered for delays, loss of baggage or cancellations or experience other benefits of having an independent travel insurance policy."

The insurer is currently offering holders of an EHIC a nine per cent discount on its European travel insurance cover.

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