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Liz Lynne MEP Liberal Democrat MEP for the West Midlands |
| www.lordsreformday.org.uk - 342 days and counting | <liz@lizlynne.org.uk> | 2nd September 2010 |
Liz Lynne MEP advises Festive Travellers to get their cards5.12.00pm GMT Mon 14th Nov 2005 West Midlands residents planning to celebrate the New Year abroad this year are being urged to get their applications in early for the new medical card intended to give them access to 'hassle-free' treatment across Europe. With record numbers of Britons expected to travel over the Christmas period,
Liberal Democrat MEP Liz Lynne is once again warning that E111 forms are no longer valid in the European Union after 1 January 2006. The European Parliament approved plans last year to introduce a credit card style pass that give EU citizens access to all forms of health care when travelling in Europe. The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) replaces the old style E111 forms that only provided travellers access to emergency treatment when on the continent. The new EU rules extend the type of medical treatment that can be given and means that cardholders can go straight to any local doctor if they fall ill without first registering with local authorities. All UK citizens can apply for the new health card by picking up an EHIC form at their local Post Office, but Liz Lynne warns that applications are taking up to 21 days to process so, as she first advised in June, holidaymakers should leave plenty of time. Liz welcomes the introduction of the card and says it will give greater confidence and security to travellers: "No longer will people be forced to plough through an array of forms in order to get healthcare in other EU countries. Instead, they will have a single card that can be used anywhere. The E111 form is to pass into distant memory. "This will be of particular value to people with long term chronic illnesses as they will be able to travel throughout the European Union without worrying. It will be one less hassle for all travellers, workers and students living within the European Union. "It is also an example of the EU at its best, extending services, getting rid of red tape, and making it easier for travellers to get treatment easily if they fall ill anywhere in Europe."
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Related News Stories:Wed 9th Nov 2005: Liz Lynne encourages MEPs to join the 'Business Travellers against Human Trafficking' campaign. Published and promoted by Liz Lynne MEP, 55 Ely Street, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, CV37 6LN. The views expressed are those of the party, not of the service provider. |