ON DECEMBER 31, 2005, the E111 health form for travel in EU countries was replaced with a new European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).

The card, which was launched in Europe last year and comes into effect on January 1, 2006, replaces the E111 to simplify access to necessary medical care when travelling in the European Union and is now the only acceptable form of ID for UK travellers seeking medical treatment whilst in the European Economic Area (EEA).

UK travellers are urged to ensure they have applied for their new card should they become ill and those producing an E111 form may be liable to pay for their medical treatment.

Kevin McAdam of Post Office travel services said: "We urge people travelling to Europe who do not already hold an EHIC to apply for one now to ensure they don't get caught out if they become ill when they are away and need medical attention."

Research by Post Office travel services revealed that UK holidaymakers are still unaware of the need to travel with a valid EHIC, with two in five (39 per cent) not planning to do so when travelling within Europe.

Thirteen European countries are now using the European health insurance card and it is estimated more than 30 million Europeans are now carrying the EHIC.

The EHIC is normally valid for three to five years and covers any medical treatment that becomes necessary during your trip due to illness or an accident.

The card gives access to state-provided medical treatment only on the same basis as an insured person living in the country visited.

Individuals should be aware this might not cover all the things available on the NHS in the UK and a contribution to the cost of your care might be required.

The EHIC also covers any treatment you need for a chronic disease or pre-existing illness although you may need to make arrangements in advance for kidney dialysis and oxygen therapy.

The EHIC is not a substitute for travel insurance and you are advised to take out comprehensive private insurance for visits to all countries, regardless of whether you are covered by your EHIC.

The EHIC should also cover routine maternity care, however, if you are going to an EEA country or Switzerland specifically to have your baby, you will need an E112 form.

People who are ordinarily resident in the UK are entitled to a UK-issued EHIC. It is not valid for people who are going to live abroad

If you ticked the relevant box on the E111 application form asking to receive an EHIC automatically, it will be delivered to you before your E111 expires on 31 December 2005.

If you did not tick the box, you can apply for an EHIC online at www.dh.gov.uk or by calling the EHIC applications line on 0845 606 2030 or pick up an EHIC application pack from your local Post Office branch