Looking to go to Tenerife at the end of August with wife and younger son, don’t want to do a package holiday to the beach but stay a bit inland and hire a car and visit attractions.

Plenty of accommodation still available and flights also available, price is competitive compared to package holidays too.

Will be properly insured for the holiday and car hire and have valid EHIC cards. Should I be unduly worried if things go wrong like return flights cancelled / room not available / severe illness?

It would just mean having to call around a hotel yourself and find accommodation should something mean you stopping longer as opposed to a rep organising something. Get holiday insurance that will cover the extra costs.

If your flights are cancelled then the airline would have to sort something for you anyway.

Silly question – do children need a EHIC card?

Edit: Yes

Done it quite a few times with kids and never had a problem. Always preferred to get away from the crowds.

fact I learnt recently. you don’t actually need an EHIC card in your possesion.

f you need medical treatment when you’re abroad and your EHIC is lost or stolen you can apply for a Provisional Replacement Certificate (PRC). Someone else can do this on your behalf if necessary. The PRC will provide you with the same cover as an EHIC until you return home. It’ll be issued directly to the healthcare provider you’re having treatment with.
To apply for a PRC, call the Overseas Healthcare Team on 00 44 191 218 1999 (Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm). It’s a good idea to save this number in your phone before you go.
To get a PRC, you’ll need to provide your:
name
address
date of birth
National Insurance or NHS number (CHI in Scotland or Health and Care Number in Northern Ireland)
the details of the healthcare provider you’re getting treatment with