Health

Medicines
If you use special medication, carry your prescription with you. Check with your doctor if you require prescribed medication while abroad. The list of medication requiring a prescription may vary between European countries.

Access to healthcare
If you are an EU national and you are suddenly taken ill or have an accident during a visit to any EU country, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland, you can get free or reduced-cost emergency treatment. A form known as E111 can be helpful as evidence that you are entitled to these benefits. Pick one up from your local social security or sickness insurance office before you travel. A passport, however, is often enough in many countries to get medical treatment. From 1 June 2004 a European health card will start to replace the E111, making procedures much simpler and reimbursement of costs more rapid.

Only publicly funded emergency treatment is included in this scheme for the moment and each country has its own rules for public medical provision. In some, treatment is free, in some you pay part of the cost, in others you have to pay the full cost and then claim a refund. Keep all your bills, prescriptions and receipts.

Driving

Driving licence

A driving licence issued in an EU country is valid throughout the EU. Remember that in most countries the minimum age for driving is 18 and if you are younger you will not be allowed to drive in those countries even if you hold a valid driving licence from another country.

In some countries, in addition to carrying a valid driving licence, you will need to have your vehicle registration document with you. There are age limits for hiring a car. Usually you have to be at least 20 years old.

Motor insurance

Wherever you are travelling in the EU your car insurance policy will automatically provide, at no extra cost, the minimum cover (third party liability) required by law. This also applies to Iceland, Norway and Switzerland. If you have comprehensive insurance at home, check that the cover extends to travelling in other countries. You may also want to consider vehicle breakdown insurance.

A green card is not necessary when travelling in the EU but it serves as internationally recognised proof of insurance and it makes it easier to claim compensation if you have an accident. If you do not take a green card with you, you should carry your certificate of insurance. The green card system currently covers 43 countries and is managed by an association of insurers. Your insurer can give you a European accident statement form, a standard document that makes it easier to make a declaration on the spot if you have an accident in another country.

New rules have been introduced to ensure that motorists get rapid compensation for accidents no matter where they are in the EU. They have made procedures easier and settling claims quicker with fines being charged on late payments. This applies not only to accidents that happen in the EU but also to accidents between two EU parties in a country outside the EU but which belongs to the green card system.

Driving safely

In all EU countries, it is compulsory to wear seatbelts in both the front and back of the car. Remember to drive on the left side of the road in Cyprus, Ireland, Malta and the United Kingdom and remember that in some countries, such as Belgium, France and the Netherlands, you normally have to give way to traffic coming from your right.

Using a mobile phone while driving increases the risk of a fatal accident by five times. It is either explicitly or implicitly forbidden in all EU countries. In some countries, the use of hands-free devices is tolerated. The maximum permitted blood alcohol level varies between 0.2 mg/ml and 0.9 mg/ml in the majority of countries. Some countries, however, have a zero alcohol tolerance while driving.

Speed limits

The speed limit on motorways is generally 110, 120 or 130 km/h and the limit in built-up areas is 50 or 60 km/h. Keep an eye on the signs to make sure of the exact limits and any special conditions that apply. Below is a table giving general maximum speed limits for cars by the beginning of 2004. In some countries limits are reduced in bad weather conditions or for newly qualified drivers.

Speed limits for cars in km/h:

Tolls

There are toll roads in many countries including Austria, the Czech Republic, France, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain and the United Kingdom. Visitors using Austrian motorways and 'A' roads must possess and display a toll label or vignette on their vehicle. These can be bought at all major border crossings into Austria and at larger petrol stations. The Czech Republic has a similar system of a sticker affixed to the windscreen.

Pets

A new pet passport which came into force in July 2004 makes it easier to travel with pets. All cats and dogs will need one and it will be accepted across the EU as proof that a pet has received the anti-rabies vaccination. It can also contain other details of the animal’s medical history.

If you want to take your pet to Ireland, Sweden or the United Kingdom, there are additional requirements for the time being, including a test after the rabies vaccination to check that it has been effective.

Electricity

All of the Europe countries have 230 volt, 50 Hz alternating current. Cyprus, Ireland, Malta and the United Kingdom have square three-pin plugs but, in general, all other EU countries have two-pin plugs. These may vary but you should be able to use your appliances such as hairdryers and shavers anywhere. Adaptors can usually be bought in airports and tourist resorts.

With permission of © European Communities, 2009