REGARDING the letter about renewing the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) (Oxford Mail, May 19), anyone who received their European Health Insurance card years ago should carefully check the expiry date before travelling to an EU country.

Renewing cards is a quick and simple process via ehic.org.uk. Applications can be made up to six months before the current one ends.

The EHIC entitles the holder to free or discounted emergency medical treatment at hospitals and GPs in EU countries, plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.

In the event of requiring medical emergency care, always say that you wish to be treated in a state-run hospital under the European Reciprocal Agreement otherwise you may be charged.

Heather Morris, Arlington Drive, Old Marston, Oxford