Millions of holidaymakers are not aware of the benefits provided by European Health Insurance Cards (EHICs), it has been revealed.
Research carried out by Moneysupermarket found that 51 per cent of Brits do not know what the cards cover them for.
Of those polled, 43 per cent still think that E111 forms - which are now defunct - are needed in order to get reduced-cost medical care when abroad.
Furthermore, five per cent of respondents believe their NHS patient card will provide them with cover.
Maxine Baker, travel insurance manager at the price comparison website, said she is surprised that awareness of the cards is so low.
"Medical treatment in mainland Europe doesn't come cheap and holidaymakers stand to lose out and suffer unexpected financial pain," she added.
A recent survey carried out by Santander Cards revealed that the majority (84 per cent) of people are either planning or considering a holiday abroad in the near future.
Written by Claire Manning
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