PENSIONERS have been warned not to rely on a health insurance card to protect them on their travels.

Age Concern Bromley says the European Health Insurance Card is not a substitute for travel insurance and will not cover all costs.

The cards do not cover any follow-up medical treatment, repatriation, personal liability, lost or stolen possessions or if a trip has to be cancelled or cut short.

They do entitle citizens of the EU to get medical treatment in fellow member nations.

An Age Concern Bromley spokesman said: "Travelling with the card will not provide a sufficient level of emergency cover."

Application forms for the cards are available from post offices or on the Department of Health's website dh.gov.uk