The MoneySavingExpert.com team urged holidaymakers to check if their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is still valid, as 4.3 million are set to expire this year
Martin Lewis’ MoneySavingExpert.com has issued a holiday warning for anyone visiting Europe this summer.
Writing in the latest MSE newsletter, the team urged holidaymakers to check if their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is still valid, as 4.3 million are set to expire this year. The EHIC is being replaced by the new Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). These cards are totally free to get and they give you access to state-run hospitals or GPs in EU countries for the same price as a local.
They typically last for up to five years. The MSE newsletter reads: “Going to the EU? Check if your EHIC is valid – 4.3m expire this year – they’re totally free. These cards give access to state-run hospitals or GPs in EU countries for the same price as a local – so if it’s free for them, it’s free for you.
“Yet check point 9 on your card, as 4.3m become invalid this year. If so, you’ll need to get a new card – it’s now called a GHIC (as it’s been rebranded a ‘Global’ card, though in essence still covers mostly the same European countries).” However, MSE also warned people not to fall for websites that charge you for these cards.
MSE said: “Never pay to get an EHIC or GHIC. It is always free, beware shyster sites trying to charge you for ‘fast tracks’ or other stuff, that’s nonsense. See how to safely get a free GHIC.” If you have an existing EHIC, it remains valid until the expiry date runs out – after this, you’ll need to apply for a GHIC card.
Some people may still be entitled to an EHIC card – for example, if you’re an EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein national who has legally resided in the UK since before January 1, 2021.