Brits are being advised to verify the expiry date on their European Health Insurance Cards (EHIC) before planning their summer holidays. The warning comes from travel insurance comparison experts at Quotezone.co.uk, who caution that travellers could be caught off guard if their card has expired.
The Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) replaced the EHIC in 2020, offering access to emergency and medically necessary healthcare in the EU and certain other countries, including Australia. However, some EHIC cards remain valid until their expiry date.
Given that these cards have a five-year validity, 2025 is expected to see a wave of travellers needing to switch to the GHIC for the first time, who may not be aware of these changes. Under post-Brexit travel regulations, Brits must apply for a GHIC once their EHIC expires or up to nine months prior to its expiration.
Failure to do so could lead to UK travellers facing hefty bills for their medical care – even if they had taken out travel insurance before their journey. General travel insurance is advisable to protect and compensate travellers, even if they possess a GHIC or EHIC.
Some insurers may waive any excess on medical treatment if you utilise an EHIC or GHIC, but it’s crucial to check the terms of the policy.
The travel card does not extend to cover additional costs one might incur from treatment abroad, such as the return journey if extended treatment is needed due to illness or injury, any co-payments required for treatment, or special assistance for repatriation – gaps that are typically addressed by most travel insurance policies. Travellers must remember to disclose pre-existing medical conditions when taking out a policy, ensuring all details are accurate and that their insurance is aptly suited to their trip requirements.
Without a comprehensive travel insurance plan, UK globetrotters could find themselves forking out staggering sums for crucial medical services. A simple broken leg in Spain could leave a traveller more than £25,000 out of pocket, whereas an accident necessitating surgery and repatriation from Greece might set them back more than £80,000.
Greg Wilson, founder and insurance maestro at Quotezone.co.uk, underscored the significance of awareness regarding shifts in travel stipulations for this year. He commented: “This year will be important, even for seasoned travellers, to make sure they are aware of changes to travel requirements. Anyone travelling with a valid EHIC can continue to use it when they travel within European countries up until its expiration date.”
However, he added an important caveat for those whose cards are expiring or lost: “But, if your card is nearing expiration or you have misplaced your card, it is time to apply for the new GHIC. Anyone who renewed in 2020 as the legislation changed, will have received some of the last EHIC’s available and will now, five years on, be ready for their first GHIC.
“Remember, the card is not a replacement for travel insurance, it allows you access to medically necessary treatment at the local rate of the country you are in – so it is important you have a relevant and accurate insurance policy to protect you before travelling, especially if you have a pre-existing condition.
“Travel insurance is a vital part of any trip, and can provide peace of mind for holidaymakers. But, it also provides essential cover for parts of your care which an EHIC or GHIC would not – including covering your travel home or any special requirements needed to get you back home, depending on your policy.
“We urge all Brits to have a look for their EHIC and check the expiration date ahead of their spring or summer travels to avoid the risk of being left vulnerable if the worst were to happen abroad. Healthcare in some countries across Europe can be very expensive even for the smallest of injuries, so when checking your passport is in date this holiday season, be sure to also check your health insurance card.”
How to apply for a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC)
Use the NHS website to apply for a card for free, as some other unofficial websites may charge a fee. It lasts for five years and doesn’t normally take long to arrive, approximately 15 working days, and can be renewed online, however leave plenty of additional time for postage in the build up to the busy holiday season as you need to take the physical card with you.
If you must travel before it arrives and require medical treatment abroad, a Provisional Replacement Certificate (PRC) can provide temporary cover. It’s crucial to be well-prepared before setting off, with your insurance policy details readily available, including the policy number and your insurer’s emergency contact number.
Share these details with friends or family at home and fellow travellers, in case they need to liaise with your insurance company on your behalf.