Many people believe an EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) which has replaced the E111, will provide all the cover they need but this is not quite true. An EHIC entitles you to receive basic emergency medical treatment in a State or Public Hospital in an EU Country (plus Switzerland, Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein) following illness or accident, and you will be able to recover some or all of the costs.

But if you need to be brought home, or if you end up in a Private Clinic which you may do in many countries, you cannot recover any of the costs involved in repatriation or private treatment.

In addition the EHIC does not provide any cancellation, delayed departure, personal possessions, personal liability or legal expenses cover.

The Department of Health strongly recommends that you take extra cover, such as Personal Travel Insurance, to cover these costs.

You can apply for an EHIC card by following this link: www.ehic.org.uk or by calling 0845 606 2030.

You may receive free travel insurance benefits with your credit card, however we advise you to check the coverage very carefully as this cover may not be adequate for your journey, or may include higher policy excesses.

As for your vehicle, check with your motor insurers in the UK to see whether your existing policy covers travel on the Continent and whether you require a Green Card. A Green Card is an International Motor Insurance Certificate which proves that you have the necessary level of insurance required - it is not the same as Motoring Breakdown Cover. If your car breaks down on the Continent and you don't have any breakdown cover, the costs could be higher than you imagine.

If your car cannot be fixed and needs to be brought back to the UK for repair it could cost up to £2000*. Do you really want this surprise extra holiday expense?
*based on AA claims experience.

Eurotunnel strongly recommends that you have adequate travel insurance and motor breakdown cover for your journey.

To apply for a Eurotunnel Travel or Motor breakdown insurance policy please call our customer contact centre together with a valid Eurotunnel booking reference number for a travel date within your chosen insurance period.