British travellers do not understand their rights to seek medical treatment in Europe, according to a survey published today.
Many have bought over the counter medicines in foreign countries despite not having enough language skills to know what they were buying, according to a survey conducted by the UK Department of Health.
The survey showed that most travellers delay seeking medical treatment until they get home because of concerns about cost and insurance.
Out of more than 2,000 people surveyed as many as half said they had experienced illness or injury on holiday.
The survey showed that although many people possess the European Health Insurance Card, they did not know how to use it.
British health officials are alarmed that some three million EHICs are due to expire by the end of the month and very few have been renewed.
The campaign was backed by TV doctor Dr Hilary Jones, of GMTV, who said: “I’m concerned that so many holidaymakers are needlessly putting their health at risk, when a valid EHIC will provide them with access to reduced cost or even free treatment.
“By delaying treatment until you return home, you are potentially allowing a condition to worsen in the meantime.
“Nobody should ever take any medicines, even those sold over the counter in a pharmacy, if they don’t understand the labelling, dosing guidance or warnings on side-effects. This is reckless behaviour and could lead to serious harm.”
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