Choose the euro rate when using an ATM in Europe

With exchange rates currently very favourable to Brits heading for Europe, it's important to make sure the extra euros go further on holiday.

While you've probably ordered the bulk of your foreign currency online in advance to get the best deal, most of us take a mixture of cash and plastic while abroad and will invariably pay by card or withdraw cash from a local hole in the wall.

And that's where it's easy to make the mistake of asking for your exchange rate in sterling rather than euros; at the time of writing, you will get a far better rate of exchange if you opt for the euro rate. 

It's not just ATMs that give you this option, supermarkets, restaurants and shops will too so over the course of a couple of weeks, you could lose out a fair bit.

EHIC - European Health Insurance Card

As an EU citizen you're entitled to reduced cost or free emergency care in any of the member countries.

The  old ‘E111’ form was replaced by the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) in 2006 but is only valid for between three and five years so do check that yours doesn't need renewing, particularly as summer is the peak time for applications and renewals. 

Everyone travelling must apply for the card by completing an EHIC application form, available from post offices, phoning 08457 22 33 44, or online at the official site. 

EHIC is free, but beware there are some unofficial online services that are charging people.

EHIC covers any medical treatment that becomes necessary during your trip, because of either illness or an accident.

You’ll be treated on the same basis as an ‘insured’ person living in the country you are visiting but remember, this might not cover all the things you’d expect to get free of charge from the NHS in the UK .

The EHIC also covers any treatment you need for chronic disease or pre-existing illness. You need to make arrangements in advance for kidney dialysis and oxygen therapy.

EHIC is NOT insurance

However, EHIC is not an alternative to travel insurance  and will not cover any private medical healthcare or costs such as mountain rescue in ski resorts, being flown back to the UK, or lost or stolen property. Therefore, it is important to have both an EHIC and a valid private travel insurance policy.