Health: What to do when ill abroad

Arrange health insurance and get a new European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which has replaced the E111 form, before you leave the UK.

You can apply for the card from all 14,600 Post Office branches or online from the Department of Health at www.dh.gov.uk/travellers (delivery is within seven days). When applying by post, the EHIC application form must be sent for validation and card distribution so travellers are advised to ensure they make their application well in advance of their trip. You can order a form by phone by calling 0845 606 2030. If you have any queries, call the EHIC enqiry line on 0845 605 0707.

The EHIC is a wallet-sized card featuring the holder's name, date of birth, personal identification number, as well as NHS and DOH contact details. Each card will be valid for a variable period of between three to five years from the date of issue.

The card replaces the E111 form, which was phased out in January 2006.

UK residents who can get an EHIC card include:

• UK nationals
• Nationals of other European Economic Area (EEA) countries
• Refugees and stateless people
• Widows on a state pension/widows benefit, whose spouses were nationals of an EEA country living in the UK when they died.

Countries covered by the EHIC form

Resident UK nationals and others eligible for an EHIC form are entitled to free or reduced-cost medical treatment in 27 EEA destinations, which are listed below, plus Switzerland:

Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Republic of Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain (including the Canary and Balearic islands), Sweden.

Getting medical treatment

You must show your EHIC card, health insurance certificate or both at a state-registered clinic or doctor's practice to receive treatment. Always take a photocopy of the form with you as they may ask for one.

Treatment costs

You may be charged for part or all of the treatment. If so, contact a regional health authority or council for advice about claiming refunds. Where to go varies from country to country.

Alternatively, you can claim a refund back in the UK. Send original bills, your EHIC form, receipts and prescriptions to:

Department for Work and Pensions, Overseas Medical Benefits, Tyneview Park, Whitley Road, Newcastle-upon-Tyne NE98 1BA. Telephone: 0191 218 1999 (8am-4pm, Mon-Fri).

Getting treatment in a non EEA countries

This is when health insurance is a wise investment. In the US, for example, medical charges can be high. Check what kind of health insurance you'll need for your destination.

Before going to a country, it's a good idea to note how its medical system works.

Embassies and high commissions are a good port of call, as well as travel agents and tourist offices.

Check whether your destination has a healthcare agreement with the UK. Many countries do not. They include Turkey, the US, India, Canada, Thailand, Hong Kong, all South American nations, Cyprus, all countries in the Middle East and Africa.

Dental problems

Nagging toothache is sure to ruin a holiday, so if you're going away for a week or more get your teeth checked beforehand. Don't rely on the EHIC form - it doesn't cover dental emergencies unless they're life threatening.

General care

• Stick to a good dental hygiene routine, especially if you're likely to try local sweets, sugary foods and drinks
• Pack a general painkiller and some oil of cloves for toothaches
• To treat an abscess or sore gums, rinse with hot, salty water
• Check that the dentist is wearing gloves

Insurance

Before you travel, arrange an insurance policy that covers dental treatment if you think you'll have tooth problems on holiday. Most travel policies only offer limited financial backup for pain relief, but dental treatment can be pricey in certain countries, such as the US.

For insurance advice, talk to your tour operator, travel agent or contact the British Insurance Brokers' Association (BIBA). The company will put you in touch with a relevant broker. Telephone the company on 020 7623 9043 or follow the link below to their website.

Babies and children

Be sure to maintain standards of hygiene and care. Parents travelling with teething babies should pack a soothing gum treatment, such as a cream.

The Department of Health's website has detailed advice for travellers and comprehensive information about Form E111: www.dh.gov.uk

British Insurance Brokers' Association (BIBA):www.biba.org.uk