Households travelling to European holiday hotspots this summer have been issued an urgent warning about an important document that could save you thousands. MoneySavingExpert.com, the consumer champion website founded by personal finance guru Martin Lewis, called on families and holidaymakers to check whether their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) are still in date.
A Freedom of Information Request submitted by the site revealed that more than 1.2 million GHICs and around 900,000 EHICs are set to expire in 2026, putting travellers at risk of being hit with huge added costs if something goes wrong. A post-Brexit agreement between the UK and the European Union means Brits still have rights to emergency and medically necessary healthcare when travelling in the EU on a temporary stay, such as for business, study, or a holiday.
What the Cards Cover
"This includes medically necessary treatment for a pre-existing or chronic condition," a post on the GOV.UK website explains. It means you will usually be able to get treatment at the rate locals pay, and won't be hit with a devastating bill that insured tourists often face in the event of a medical emergency.
You can get coverage if you have an EHIC card, or a GHIC (which has replaced the former), both of which are free. However, though EHICs are valid for five years and some are still in date and usable, the remaining valid ones are expiring this year. At that point, you will need to apply for a GHIC to maintain coverage.
MSE Newsletter Warning
The MSE newsletter reads: "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." If it's expired, you'll need to get the GHIC, which has been rebranded as 'Global' but "in essence still covers mostly the same European countries," the site added.
The NHS explains: "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."
Importance of Travel Insurance
Mr Lewis has emphasised the importance of pairing the card with travel insurance, as doing so can prevent you from being charged the excess if you need to claim for costs the cards don't cover. A UK GHIC is free and can be applied for through the NHS website. The health service advises avoiding unofficial websites, which may charge an application fee. A new card can be applied for up to nine months before the current card expires.
