People looking to buy
cheap travel insurance for a backpacking trip abroad should also check their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) details prior to departure, according to the Department of Health.
Half of travellers are unaware that their EHIC has an expiry date and so they risk heading to the continent without any cover.
The department urges people to check their EHIC details before they leave the country, while purchasing travel insurance is also advised.
Holidaymakers can renew their card or order a new one in the space of just a few minutes and it provides extensive cover across Europe.
Almost 30 million Britons have acquired an EHIC since the E111 form was abolished over three years ago, but this coming March will see around three million expirations among those that have been issued.
The Department of Health urges people to buy travel insurance to provide further holiday protection.
Skiers should be especially wary as some ski slopes do not accept the EHIC as a form of medical cover.
Worldwide travel insurance is an option for all backpackers.
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