Two thirds of holidaymakers are unaware that travel insurance cards have replaced the traditional E111 forms that covered them for medical treatment on the Continent, says new research.

The European health insurance card fully replaced the E111 form in January and not carrying one could make travel insurance invalid.

The card was phased in by the Department of Health in August last year and is available free.

It entitles the holder to free or subsidised "essential medical treatment" in all EU countries, as well as Switzerland, Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein. Unlike the E111, which covered the whole family, every family member must hold a card.

Richard Mason, the director of insurance at moneysuper-market.com, the insurance comparison website that carried out the research, said: "The E111 form is now nothing more than a tourist relic.

"But with more than 10 million forms issued in its final three years, huge numbers of holidaymakers will be carrying one around in their wallet this summer under the mistaken assumption that it can help in an emergency.

"Awareness of the card is alarmingly low, despite the fact that it has been around for nearly a year.

"Even basic treatment in Europe does not come cheap, so this card could save you a lot of unexpected financial pain. Worse still, some insurers may not pay out if the claimant does not have one."

Mr Mason said: "Like the E111 scheme, the card offers only relatively low-level reimbursement for basic medical bills. Holidaymakers should not view it as a replacement for travel insurance."

People can apply for the health insurance card online at the Department of Health's website www.dh.gov.uk/travellers; by telephone on 0845 606 2030; or by post, with forms available from the post office.

The process can take up to three weeks by post, compared with seven days online.

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By Sarah Womack, Social Affairs Correspondent

© Copyright of Telegraph Group Limited 2006.