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EHIC - How not to be conned

ehicEHIC - the European Health Insurance Card is useful for every Europe-bound traveller.

It entitles you to the same state-provided healthcare as a resident of the country you are visiting. It's free, and you can apply by calling the EHIC application line on 0845 606 2030.

The quickest way to secure one, however, is online. But note: if you type "EHIC" into Google, the top entry is not the official NHS site, but a privately run website charging £9.95 for submitting an application on your behalf.

To apply free, visit www.nhs.uk/healthcareabroad. Don't fear a tax-return-style encounter; you need little more than name, address and NHS number.