Health Services: EU Countries

Mr. Evans
To ask the Secretary of State for Health what discussions he has had with his European counterparts on provision of health care for British citizens who are taken ill while on holiday.

Dawn Primarolo
The European Health Insurance Card which entitles citizens of European Economic Area (EEA) to state-provided health care during a visit to any EEA country, was adopted in 2005 by all member states. The United Kingdom continues to take part in discussions with European bodies and other member states around the practicalities of the use of the card when, and if, the need arises.