The plane tickets, sunscreen, swim togs and sunglasses are packed. Since you're visiting an EU member-state, an €111 form is also tucked neatly into the suitcase. Accidents can happen anywhere, but when you're on holiday abroad it can be a very expensive experience depending on your level of preparation.

One of the advantages for EU citizens is free use of the public health service when visiting another member-state through the €111 form. Unfortunately, many travellers find out too late that it does not provide universal protection or cover the full expenses.

The €111 only covers some treatment due to an emergency, illness or accident. The care received will be the same basic type provided by the country's health-care system to its citizens. Therefore, benefits and expenses vary by country. In Germany, for example, a nominal fee of 2.00 deutschmarks (€1.02) must be paid by the insured traveller for each prescription and 4.00 deutschmarks for minor aids, appliances and spectacles. Any item which costs less than this amount must be paid by the €111 holder. Hospitalisation in a public ward will be charged at 5.00 deutschmarks a day.

In the majority of cases, fees must be paid up front. The €111 holder is then refunded by the holiday country's sickness fund when documentation is forwarded within a defined period. If prepayment is not possible some doctors will accept the €111 form as payment. The doctor will then receive payment from the state's sickness fund.

Care standard and costs vary by country, but transport, repatriation and treatment resulting from a road accident or sports accident are not usually covered. Therefore, in a real emergency, it is comforting to know you have travel insurance in addition to the €111. €111 forms are available from your local health board.