I was travelling in Italy.

I did not consider

the European Health Insurance Card a necessity.

However, a colleague told me

it was easy and free to get one,

so I did. Thank goodness.

On the second day in Italy,

I fell and broke my ankle.

The cost of the examination

and surgery abroad

would have been a real problem for me.

But I was treated exactly like a local

because I had the European Health Insurance Card.

And now whenever I hear someone is taking a trip…

…they get a looong speech from me

on the benefits of carrying

the European Health Insurance Card!