A European Health Insurance Card entitles you to free or reduced-cost medical treatment that becomes necessary while you're in a European Economic Area country or Switzerland. However, this entitlement only applies to state-provided treatment, and not to private treatment.

Please note that mountain rescue, clinics and doctors located in or near most holiday resorts are invariably classed as being private providers and tend not to be covered by the EHIC. This is why you also need good travel insurance to cover these costs, too.

In the case of France, the EHIC provides reduced-cost state medical cover. The remainder has to be 'topped up' by your travel insurance. This top-up, however, is subject to the excess stated in your policy.

The EHIC has replaced the old E111 and the temporary paper form. E111s ceased to be valid in January 2006, and you must ensure that each member of your party has a valid card. The quickest and easiest way to get an EHIC is to apply online. Please click here for further information.