Could your EHIC or GHIC be one of more than 2.3 million cards due to expire during 2026?
Lots of travellers focus on booking flights, choosing accommodation and checking their passport. However, your EHIC or GHIC deserves attention too. An expired card could leave you without access to the healthcare support you expected while travelling.
If you are planning a trip to Europe this year, now is the perfect time to check whether your card is still valid before you travel.
What is a GHIC?
A GHIC, or Global Health Insurance Card, helps UK travellers access medically necessary state healthcare when visiting participating European countries.
The card largely replaced the EHIC for most UK travellers following Brexit.
If you need treatment while abroad, a GHIC can help you access healthcare on the same basis as a resident of the country you are visiting. Depending on the country, this may mean free treatment, reduced costs or access to state healthcare services.
The card is free to apply for through the NHS.
What is the difference between a GHIC and an EHIC?
For most travellers, there is very little practical difference between a GHIC and an EHIC.
Both cards help you access medically necessary state healthcare when travelling in participating European countries.
The main difference is that the GHIC has largely replaced the EHIC for UK travellers since Brexit.
If you already have an EHIC, you can continue using it until it expires. Once it expires, most travellers who renew or apply for a new card will receive a GHIC instead.
Is my EHIC still valid in 2026?
Yes, as long as your EHIC remains valid.
One of the biggest misconceptions is that EHIC cards became invalid after Brexit. This is not the case.
If your EHIC has not expired, you can continue using it in participating countries until the expiry date shown on the card.
The important thing is to check whether your card is still in date before you travel.
How do I check if my EHIC or GHIC is still valid?
Checking your card only takes a few seconds.
Simply look at the expiry date printed on the front of your EHIC or GHIC.
If the card has expired, you should apply for a replacement before travelling.
You can also renew your card before it expires. The NHS allows travellers to renew up to nine months before the expiry date.
Checking this now could save you time and worry later.
How many EHIC and GHIC cards expire in 2026?
According to NHS Business Services Authority data, more than 2.3 million EHIC and GHIC cards are due to expire during 2026.
That includes:
• 926,954 EHIC cards
• 157,866 UK EHIC cards
• 1,285,250 GHIC cards
With so many cards approaching expiry, it is easy to see why travel experts are encouraging people to check their card before travelling.
You may already have a valid card. The only way to know for certain is to check.
Does a GHIC replace travel insurance?
No. This is one of the most important things to understand before you travel.
A GHIC helps you access state healthcare in participating countries. It does not replace travel insurance. Too many travellers mistakenly believe that having a GHIC means they no longer need travel insurance. Unfortunately, that assumption can leave significant gaps in protection.
What does travel insurance cover that a GHIC does not?
A GHIC does not cover everything.
Travel insurance can help provide protection for situations such as:
• Emergency medical expenses beyond state healthcare arrangements
• Medical repatriation back to the UK
• Trip cancellation
• Travel disruption
• Lost, stolen or delayed luggage
• Personal belongings
This is why the NHS advises travellers to have both a valid GHIC and appropriate travel insurance in place.
What does a GHIC cover?
A GHIC helps you access medically necessary state healthcare during a temporary stay in participating European countries.
However, the level of support varies by country.
Some countries provide state healthcare free of charge. Others require residents to contribute towards treatment costs. If local residents pay for treatment, you may also need to contribute.
Does a GHIC cover emergency medical treatment?
Yes, if the treatment falls within the country’s state healthcare system and is considered medically necessary during your stay.
Does a GHIC cover private healthcare?
No. A GHIC only applies to state healthcare systems. It does not cover private medical treatment.
Does a GHIC cover repatriation to the UK?
No. If you need medical transport back to the UK, a GHIC will not cover the cost. This is one reason why travel insurance remains important.
How do I renew my GHIC?
You can apply for a new GHIC or renew an existing card through the official NHS service.
The application process is free. Be cautious of unofficial websites that charge a fee to process applications on your behalf. You do not need to pay for a GHIC.
If your card is approaching expiry and you have travel plans coming up, it is worth checking your renewal options sooner rather than later.
What should you check before travelling to Europe?
Preparing for a holiday involves more than packing your suitcase.
Before travelling, take a few minutes to:
• Check your EHIC or GHIC expiry date
• Check your passport validity
• Review any upcoming European travel changes
• Check your travel insurance arrangements
• Check country specific health advice before you travel
• Review any entry requirements for your destination
• Check whether you need any vaccinations or travel health precautions
These simple checks can help you focus on enjoying your holiday rather than dealing with avoidable problems abroad.
Speak to us about your travel insurance
A valid passport and a valid GHIC are both important. However, neither replaces the protection that travel insurance can provide.
If you would like to review your travel insurance before your next trip, our team is always happy to help.
You can contact us by leaving your details on our contact form, calling 01730 265500 or email hello@robison.co.uk.