Pack your free euro health card says Farron

The EHIC is a free card that replaced the old E111 forms in 2004. The cards entitle people to free or significantly reduced charges for government run healthcare in any country in the European Union. However, unofficial websites will charge if you apply through them.

The Coalition Government is taking action to tackle these sites by working with Google and other search engines to identify and close advertisements that are misleading.

Commenting, Tim said: "European Health Insurance Cards should be free of charge. If you are being asked to pay for your EHIC, you are not on the official website.

"The card could help significantly reduce the cost of basic medical treatment or prescriptions if you have an accident or fall ill on holiday. However, your EHIC is not a substitute for travel insurance, so when travelling within Europe, you need to have both.

"I would urge all those preparing for holidays to make an official application at www.gov.uk/european-health-insurance-card or by calling: 0300 3301350, so you don't pay out for something that's free."