Brighton MP warns holidaymakers to beware of scam European health card websites

Brighton Kemptown MP Simon Kirby has urged people to beware of sham websites when applying for European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).

Mr Kirby was spurred by a letter from his Conservative colleague Jane Ellison, the Minister for Public Health.

She wrote to all MPs asking them to alert holidaymakers to misleading websites which charge people for the free card.

Mr Kirby said: “I am pleased that the government is taking several measures against these sham websites.

“The Government Digital Service has been working with Google to limit advertisements for misleading websites.

“Remember the EHIC is free so please don’t use a website if you are asked to pay.”

The card entitles people to cheap or free healthcare in European Union countries and some other European countries. It is not a substitute for travel insurance.

Mr Kirby said that holidaymakers should visit https://www.gov.uk/european-health-insurance-card or call 0300 3301350.