Irish people travelling to another country in the EU, as well as Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein, are entitled to receive immediate emergency medical care under a number of reciprocal health agreements.

By filling out a form known as the E111 before you leave home, Irish people can receive medical treatment without being charged. If you don't have the form, you are still entitled to medical care, but you may have to pay for it and claim for reimbursement at a later stage.

The form can be obtained from health boards, post offices or at www.oasis.gov.ie and should be returned to your local health board at least one month before you leave the country.Children aged 16 years and over must have their own E111 form.

The E111 only entitles you to the state-funded healthcare scheme in the country in which you are staying. Unlike most travel insurance policies, it won't cover the cost of transport back to Ireland, should it be required.

Some travel insurers will not charge an excess for medical expenses claims if the policyholder first reduces the size of their emergency healthcare bill by using either the E111 form or their private health cover.

Under VHI's multi-trip insurance cover, members pay upfront and are reimbursed later in the case of small outpatient costs such as GP visits.