The European Health Insurance Card or EHIC replaced the E111 in 2004. The EHIC card entitles you to free or reduced cost emergency treatment within the European Union (EU). You get the same care as the people who live in that country. You may need to pay first in the country you visit and then claim back the money on return to UK. It doesn't cover travelling to a country specifically for health treatment. Medical evacuation to the UK will not be included.

You can apply to get an EHIC

• by post, using an application form that you get from your local post office
• by telephoning 0845 6062030
• online at www.ehic.org.uk

It can take up to three weeks for your card to arrive if you apply by post. It should be quicker if you apply by phone (up to 10 days) or online (up to seven days). Additional information on the European Health Insurance Card and health advice for travellers can be found on the Department of Health website at www.dh.gov.uk/en/Healthcare/Healthadvicefortravellers or in the travel insurance leaflet: Health Advice for Travellers available at most post offices and GP surgeries. The website and leaflet both provide a list of non-EU countries which have a particular agreement to provide health services to visitors from the UK. All agencies, including the Government, recommend that you buy travel insurance as well as taking out a European Health Insurance Card.

Insurance Companies
The following list of insurance companies is in no particular order. Details are correct at the time of posting. This list is provided for information only. None of the companies listed below are endorsed by the CML Support Group UK.

Owens Travel Master Holidays

An independent family-run travel agent which prides itself in providing a friendly, caring, experienced travel service to all its customers. Travel Insurance Quote http://www.travelinsuranceplus.co.uk/?AgentID=1441

To arrange cover extension for pre-existing medical conditions, phone the Screening Helpline quoting insure2travel on

            0844 573 4171      

Travel Insured

t: 0800 027 6171
w: www.travelinsured.co.uk
Specialises in arranging competitive travel Travel insurance cover for the older traveller and those with pre-existing medical conditions. Will cover people up to the age of 79, depending on circumstances.

It's So Easy Travel Insurance

t: 0845 222 4205
w: www.itssoeasytravelinsurance.com
Can often provide travel insurance for people with pre-existing medical conditions, including cancer. Their medical screening service is staffed by qualified staff who will assess the individual circumstances of each enquirer. They can't guarantee to cover everyone with cancer.

Saga Travel Insurance

t: 0800 015 8055
w: www.saga.co.uk/insurance/travel
Saga travel insurance is designed to provide a high level of protection for anyone aged 50 or over. In most cases they will be able to provide cover for people with pre-existing medical conditions, including cancer. Enquirers will be assessed via a medical screening line.

Free Spirit Travel Insurance t/a

t: 0845 230 5000
w: www.free-spirit.com
e: freespirit@pjhayman.com
Offers a travel insurance package for people with pre-existing medical conditions, including cancer. A medical assistance service is included. Each case is considered by a medical specialist. Will consider cover for secondary cancers to worldwide destinations

InsureCancer (Medi Travelcover Ltd)

t: 01252 780190
w: www.insurecancer.com
A specialist insurance company whose sole purpose is to provide travel insurance to people affected by cancer.

Freedom Travel Insurance

t: 01223 454 290
w: www.freedominsure.co.uk
Specialises in arranging travel cover for people with pre-existing medical conditions. Attempts to provide a "one-stop-shop" where a medical screening is undertaken and premium quoted in a single phonecall.

Age Concern Insurance Services

t: 0845 600 3348
w: www.ageconcern.org.uk
Offers travel insurance to people of any age who have cancer by assessing individual situations using a medical screening process. If you call the above number for travel insurance, you will deal with Fortis Insurance Limited, which provides and manages Age Concern Travel Insurance.

All Clear Plus

t: 0845 250 5200
w: www.allcleartravel.co.uk
e: info@allcleartravel.co.uk
Provides travel insurance for almost any serious pre-existing medical condition, including cancer. Your circumstances can be assessed for the purposes of providing a quote for cover by either telephoning AllClear's helpline, or through answering a series of questions on AllClear's website.

Travelbility Insurance

w: www.Travelbility.co.uk
Offers travel insurance for the disabled or those with pre-existing medical conditions and their carers. Online quoting facility.

Insurance Ombudsman Bureau

If you have a complaint under the Disability Discrimination Act or if you feel that you have cause for complaint or would like information from organisations that regulate and set standards for the insurance industry you can visit their website. The Ombudsman Brureau can investigate if it considers an act of discrimination has occurred. This is a free service. w: www.financial-ombudsman.co.uk

Updated:December 2011