NORTHERN Ireland holidaymakers in the new year could be left financially
exposed because of recent E111 changes, the Post Office has warned.

The Post Office is issuing a last minute alert to people planning to travel
overseas in the New Year, urging them check they have a valid E111 form for
their entire holiday - not just their holiday start date.

During one of the busiest travel periods of the year, the Post Office has
explained that holidaymakers travelling on or after December 31, 2004 with
an E111 issued before August 19, 2004, will not be covered for emergency
medical treatment under the new changes and could face hefty medical costs.
Hugh Stacey, Head of Travel Services at the Post Office, said: "It is
important that holidaymakers in Northern Ireland who plan to travel in the
New Year are aware of the E111 changes introduced in 2004.

"While an E111 is not a substitute for travel insurance it should be an
essential part of everybody's travel kit as it entitles you to emergency
medical treatment in any of the EU countries.

"We are therefore urging anyone travelling on or after December 31 to ensure
that their E111 is updated and valid."

In addition to the introduction of new forms, the changes also mean that
each family member will now need their own individual form and will no
longer be able to travel on a family E111.