Health query

SIR, — In view of the forthcoming short visit of my father-in-law from the Czech Republic, I thought it advisable to check the health provision arrangements for visitors from the European Union, as there is a remote possibility of his requiring treatment

SIR, - In view of the forthcoming short visit of my father-in-law from the Czech Republic, I thought it advisable to check the health provision arrangements for visitors from the European Union, as there is a remote possibility of his requiring treatment for an existing condition.

The NHS web site states that managing the symptoms of pre-existing or chronic conditions that arise while abroad are all covered by the European Health Insurance Card. Staff at our local health centre, however, inform us that they were instructed at a recent meeting at Hertford that this facility is no longer available to EU citizens staying in the UK.

I should be interested to know whether this applies in all areas of the UK or merely in Herts and whether it effects the entitlement of UK citizens to treatment when travelling in the EU. Perhaps a representative of the local health authority would care to comment.

STEPHEN GELL,

The Park, Redbourn.