AT THIS time of year, a lot of your readers will be applying for E111 European Health Insurance Cards (EHIC), to ensure that they are covered in the EU for healthcare.

If they have not already applied for this they should do so, as insurance companies will expect people to have this card. If they do not, their insurance could be void.

There are four methods for applying for the card: The first is at the Post Office. You can collect an application form and post it yourself or you can use the Post Office Check and Send service, where they will check the application form and post it for you. A charge of £2 per application form is applied.

The second is the application service. Customers utilising the service can normally expect to receive their card within seven- 10 working days.

A processing fee of £9.95 is charged to cover administrative and operational expenses.

However, it is not necessary to use any service that charges.

If you use the NHSBSA website to apply for your EHIC, there will be no charge for making your application and you should receive your card within seven working days.

You can also telephone the NHSBSA automated EHIC application line on 0845 606 2030.

Your application should be processed within 10 days. There will be no charge for making your applications in these ways.

I hope that people will find the free service useful. I have used the telephone service, which is free, and the process takes about five minutes. You only need to give your details including your NHI number.

Save yourself some money!

John J Monaghan, Cotman Close, Abingdon