Nearly two million UK-issued health cards set to expire

The cards – European Health Insurance Cards (EHIC) and Global Health Insurance Cards (GHIC) – entitle holders to emergency medical care in Europe, and their expiry could leave travellers without access to free or reduced-cost treatment during trips abroad.

The warning comes as new NHS data, shared with travel insurance provider Holidaysafe, shows the UK has spent more than £800 million covering the cost of medical treatment for travellers abroad since 2016.

Amber Moon, brand manager at Holidaysafe, said: "Many people don’t even realise their card is expiring. 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."

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While EHIC and GHIC cards entitle travellers to emergency healthcare on the same terms as residents of the country they are visiting, they do not cover all medical costs.

They do not replace travel insurance and will not cover repatriation to the UK or costs incurred on cruises or during winter sports holidays.

According to the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA), 1,960,640 health cards are due to expire this year.

Amber said: "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."

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With millions of UK residents planning summer holidays in Europe, travel experts and consumer groups are urging travellers to check their health card expiry dates before travelling.

Under reciprocal healthcare agreements, the UK government covers the cost of medical treatment abroad when a valid EHIC or GHIC is presented.

In 2019, the last full year before the pandemic, the bill for this care reached £127.3 million.

Although costs have declined since then, the total spent between 2016 and April 2025 now stands at more than £813 million.

A spokesman 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."

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Amber said: "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."

Key facts about the GHIC system:

• The cards are free and can be obtained from the official NHS website at nhs.uk/ghic.

• GHIC and valid EHIC cards provide free or low-cost treatment in all EU countries, as well as Switzerland and Montenegro.

• Separate reciprocal healthcare agreements exist with Australia, Jersey, Guernsey, the Isle of Man, St Helena, Tristan da Cunha and Ascension Island.

• Covered treatments include emergency care, A&E visits, treatment for long-term or pre-existing conditions and routine maternity care (provided the traveller is not abroad specifically to give birth).