The replacement for the E111 form is soon to be available from UK post offices. Travellers will need a new European Health Insurance Card instead of an E111 when the forms are phased out at the end of this year.

Application forms for the new EHIC will be available from post offices or via the Department of Health from 1 September and traditional E111s will no longer be available after 31 August, though they will remain valid until January 2006.

The card, which is free, will act as a direct replacement for the E111, entitling the holder to medical treatment when visiting any of the countries in the European Economic Area, which includes the European Union plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.

Cardholders are entitled to the same treatment, on the same terms, as the residents of the country they are travelling in - which in practice means either free or at a reduced cost.

But holidaymakers should remember that the EHIC is not a substitute for travel insurance.

The EHIC form could take up to 21 days to process if you apply at a post office. If you apply directly through the Department of Health (0845 6062030; www.dh.gov.uk/travellers) it should take just seven days online or 10 days if you apply by phone.