Brits travelling with a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) this year must check its expiry date before heading on holiday, as most cards are set to expire in 2026.
Why EHIC Cards Are Expiring
The EHIC is the standard medical card for those living within the European Economic Area (EEA). When the UK left the EU, the EHIC was replaced by a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). EHICs remain valid until their expiry date, but once they expire, Brits must switch to a GHIC card, as their existing EHIC will no longer be recognised.
EHIC cards are valid for five years and stopped being issued after 2021, meaning everyone with a valid EHIC should be due for a replacement this year. Victoria, a travel expert, said in a video on Instagram: "This is the old EHIC card that used to entitle you to state medical insurance when you were travelling around Europe. They were last issued in 2021 and were valid for five years. We're now in 2026, so nobody's is valid any more."
How to Replace Your Card
Getting a new GHIC card is easy and free. Apply through the official NHS website, and you'll be able to use it for healthcare services within the EEA, as well as Montenegro, Australia, Jersey, Guernsey, the Isle of Man, and Switzerland. A GHIC card is valid for five years before it needs to be replaced.
To apply online, you need to provide your full name, address, date of birth, National Insurance number, and Health and Care number (if from Northern Ireland).
What GHIC Covers and What It Doesn't
A UK GHIC covers state healthcare that cannot reasonably wait until you return to the UK, including emergency treatment and A&E visits, treatment for long-term or pre-existing conditions, and routine maternity care (unless you're going abroad to give birth). However, not all state healthcare is free outside the UK, and you may have to pay if a local resident would be expected to pay in the country you're visiting.
A GHIC does not cover being flown back to the UK, treatment in a private medical facility, or ski or mountain rescue. Therefore, it's strongly advised to still take out private travel and medical insurance before you travel, alongside bringing your GHIC.
Victoria added in the caption of her video: "It's one of those little holiday checks that's easy to forget, but it could make a big difference if you need medical treatment while you're away." Commenters were thankful for the reminder, with one saying: "These tips are so good! Recommending to my friends." And another added: "Thank you. Just got mine!"
