Travel warning issued to all Brits with a GHIC or EHIC going abroad this year
The EHIC was replaced by the GHIC but are still in use with some Brits still having valid ones.
GHIC and EHIC cards allow you to receive state healthcare in another country (in the European Economic Area – EAA) 'on the same basis as a resident in that country', the NHS explains.
But, before you travel, you'll need to make sure your GHIC or EHIC is still valid and if not, it will need to be renewed so you can use it if needed.
Nearly two million UK-issued EHIC and GHIC health cards will expire in 2025, putting travellers at risk of losing access to free or reduced-cost emergency healthcare when visiting Europe.
The importance of these cards is also underlined in new NHS data shared with travel insurance provider Holidaysafe.
It reveals that the UK has spent more than £800 million since 2016 to cover the cost of medical treatment for UK travellers abroad.
The new figures were obtained by Holidaysafe following a Freedom of Information (FOI) request.
The data from the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) shows that 1,960,640 health cards, including European Health Insurance Cards (EHICs), Global Health Insurance Cards (GHICs) and UK EHICs issued under the Withdrawal Agreement, will expire this year.
If you didn't know, your entitlement to UK Global Health Insurance GHIC is still valid in the EU/Switzerland. Europe is Europe. Not everything can be taken away after #Brexit. Renew if expired. It's still free of charge. Just renewed mine. Only EU colours & sign no longer exist. pic.twitter.com/wmt4YgCKtb
— 🇬🇳🇬🇧 Alhoussein Fadiga #Peace&Love (@kipe76) January 11, 2025
'Many people don't even realise their card is expiring,' said Amber Moon, Holidaysafe Brand Manager.
She added: 'You could end up facing a bill of hundreds or even thousands of pounds for treatment that would otherwise have been covered. Renewing your GHIC is free and takes just minutes via the official NHS website.
'Having valid travel insurance and a GHIC or EHIC card can help you access emergency medical treatment and avoid unexpected costs if you fall ill or have an accident abroad. However, it's important to check what your travel insurance policy covers.'
Under reciprocal healthcare agreements, the UK government covers the cost of treatment abroad when a valid GHIC or EHIC is presented for medical care.
In 2019, just before the pandemic, the bill for this care was £127.3 million. While it has since fallen, the total cost from 2016 to April 2025 now exceeds £813 million.
A spokesperson for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) said: 'You can use your UK European/Global Health Insurance Card for any medically necessary care at a public hospital or medical centre in Europe.
'But whilst a valid GHIC/EHIC can help, it won't cover everything. Always check what's included in your travel insurance before travelling abroad and while your EHIC remains valid in the EU, replace it with a GHIC when it expires.'
Amber Moon added: 'When you look at how much the UK has paid out to cover medical bills abroad, it just highlights how important it is for people to carry a GHIC or to make sure they get one when their EHIC expires this year.'
Travel insurance is still needed even if you have a GHIC or EHIC. While these cards entitle you to receive emergency medical treatment in Europe on the same terms as a local, they don't cover repatriation if you need to return to the UK - something that's included in many travel insurance policies.
They also won't cover you if you fall ill on a cruise or require rescue during a winter sports holiday.
Your passport is your most important travel document - it's worth taking your time to get right! Before submitting your application check: - your photo meets all requirements - all personal details are correct - supporting documents are ready - payment details are accurate pic.twitter.com/mkzLHN5ZpY
— His Majesty's Passport Office (@HM_Passport) June 16, 2025
If you already have a GHIC or EHIC, you'll need to make sure it's valid before your trip.
To find out when it expires, check the expiry date box in the bottom right corner of the card. This will give you an exact date that it expires.
If you have checked the expiry date and need to renew your card, it's free and easy to do via the NHS website.
Recommended reading:
What is a GHIC, which countries accept it and how do you apply? What to know
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UK bus company offers free tickets for people turning 30 in June
You can renew your card up to nine months before yours runs out.
Once your EHIC expires, you will receive a GHIC when you renew it.
For those who don't already have one, you can apply for a new one which will last five years.
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