A European Health Insurance Card gives British nationals the right to access state healthcare on temporary stays in the 28 states that make up the European Economic Area, such as Germany, France and Greece.

It will cover immediate and clinically necessary state-funded treatment until you can return to the UK, according to the NHS Choices website. In Switzerland treatment is available at a reduced cost. Any pre-existing conditions are covered and routine maternity care is provided as long as you did not specifically visit the country to give birth.

Applicants must provide a National Insurance or NHS number to get one. It is not an alternative to travel insurance and will not cover any private healthcare or costs such as mountain rescues or being flown to the UK. It is also not valid on cruises.

Every country’s healthcare system varies slightly and might not include services provided by the NHS.