Holidaymakers should not refrain from taking out travel insurance even if they possess a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
This is according to Gocompare, which noted many travellers may be confused over what the EHIC does and does not cover.
Research carried out by the price comparison website found 57 per cent of those questioned believe the card entitles them to free emergency medical care regardless of where they are in Europe, while four per cent said the same for anywhere in the world.
However, provision of state care differs from country to country and people may not necessarily receive the same treatment they would at a UK hospital.
Jeremy Cryer, head of travel insurance at Gocompare – which was launched in 2006 – said: “Our advice to holidaymakers is to always arrange suitable travel insurance to ensure you’re covered for medical treatment and repatriation if necessary.”
Mr Cryer added vacationers should also carry an EHIC wherever they go in Europe, but check beforehand what the item covers and the benefits it provides in the country they are heading to.