UK travellers heading to Europe this summer are being urged to check that their Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is still valid, as more than two million cards are due to expire before the end of the year. The warning comes from Martin Lewis's MoneySavingExpert.com, which has issued a holiday alert for those visiting popular destinations including France, Spain, Portugal, Greece and Italy.
Why the urgency?
According to MoneySavingExpert, 1,285,250 GHICs and 926,954 EHICs are set to expire in 2026. The EHIC is being phased out in favour of the new GHIC, which provides access to state-funded healthcare in EU countries at the same cost as local residents. The cards are free and valid for up to five years. The last EHICs issued after Brexit are now reaching their expiry date.
What the cards offer
The MSE newsletter explains: "These cards give access to state-run hospitals or GPs in EU countries for the same price as a local - so if it's free for them, it's free for you." Cardholders should check the expiry date on their card and apply for a replacement if needed. The team added: "You'll need to get a new card - it's now called a GHIC (as it's been rebranded a 'Global' card, though in essence still covers mostly the same European countries)."
Beware of scam websites
MSE also warned holidaymakers to avoid websites that charge for these cards. "Never pay to get an EHIC or GHIC. It is always free, beware shyster sites trying to charge you for 'fast tracks' or other stuff, that's nonsense. See how to safely get a free GHIC," the team said. If you have an existing EHIC, it remains valid until the expiry date, after which you must apply for a GHIC.
The NHS states: "The UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) lets you get necessary state healthcare in the European Economic Area (EEA), and some other countries, on the same basis as a resident of that country. This may be free or it may require a payment equivalent to that which a local resident would pay." It adds: "If you have an existing EHIC you can continue to use it until the expiry date on the card. Once it expires, you'll need to apply for a UK GHIC to replace it."
How to apply
Obtaining a UK GHIC is free, and applications can be made via the NHS website. The NHS strongly recommends avoiding unofficial third-party websites that may charge a fee. Cardholders can apply for a replacement up to nine months before their existing card expires. The NHS says: "Every member of your family needs their own card. You can add your spouse, civil partner and children to your application when you apply. You must enter your own details first and apply for any additional cards when prompted."
