There are many misconceptions about what the European Health Insurance Card, known as EHIC entitle the holder to. We all know that it is free to obtain and that everyone traveling within the European Union should carry it in the case of a medical emergency. But thereafter, accounts vary on how it can be used and under what circumstances.

Representatives of the Department of Health and the Valencian Health Authority will be holding a talk to clarify any doubts you may have about using the EHIC and they will also present information on how to correctly access healthcare in Spain.

The EHIC entitles you to medically necessary treatment for the duration of your stay - this is decided by the doctor and you will be given treatment on the same basis as a resident of that country. So if you are a Brit on holiday in Spain, you will be treated in exactly the same way as if you were a Spanish resident and likewise, if you are an ex-pat visiting the UK and need treatment, you will get the same care as if you were a UK resident.

The talk will be held tomorrow, Wednesday 6th March at the Centro Social la Toretta which is on Calle Ciudad Real, Rincon de Loix, Benidorm starting at 12 noon. It is an open meeting and anyone can attend, but I would recommend that you get there early as seating will be limited. To get to the venue go past Levi´s Showboat (just down from Benidorm Palace) and on the corner there is a farmacia. Turn down that road heading in the direction of the IMED Levante Hospital and it is ap 100 metres on the right hand side.

Centro Social in Rincon where talk will be held

Most importantly, you MUST take out travel insurance when travelling with your EHIC. I have just been involved in a case whereby a gentleman on holiday in Spain did not take out travel insurance because he deemed the premium too high due to pre-existing medical conditions. He is now in the local social security hospital having suffered a heart attack. He is confused, lost his speech and unable to communicate properly but is now not deemed an "emergency" and so ready to be discharged. He has no accessible money or relatives that can help repatriate him back to the UK..... although his local health authority have confirmed that once he is back on British soil they will arrange appropriate care. The issue now is how will he get back - and incase you are wondering, he is not an old pensioner but someone in his mid 50´s! Do NOT travel without insurance - I cannot emphasize the importance of this.