Thanks npj60, I was busy with the washing up when you replied.
Litsa. It is used alongside travel insurance and should give anyone from the UK access to the same state-provided healthcare as a resident of the (specified) countries visited
This isn't always the case but....................
>>>The EHIC card is available to everyone in the UK and it should be carried with you when you travel abroad. The EHIC card is not a substitute for travel insurance as it will not cover any private medical healthcare or for loss and theft of items.
Some insurers now insist you hold an EHIC and many will waive the excess if you have one.<<<