As an employee of an alarm-centre for Dutch travalers I can confirm most of the posting above. Be aware an EHIC will only cover the medical costs in state-hospitals. A lot of medical facilities in Spain are private, expecialy in touristic places in coastal area. A travel-insurance will also cover the costs of private hospitals and repatriation to the UK. Another thing to consider is the maximum duration of a holiday the travel-insurance covers. Some insurances only cover a maximum of 60 days.

Mark