Latest news with #EHICs
Glasgow Times
16 hours ago
- Health
- Glasgow Times
Warning issued to Brits with GHIC or EHIC amid expiry dates
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. Warning issued to everyone with a GHIC or EHIC 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. — 🇬🇳🇬🇧 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. Can you still use a red passport in 2025? 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.' Do you still need travel insurance with a GHIC or EHIC? 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 — His Majesty's Passport Office (@HM_Passport) June 16, 2025 How to check if your GHIC or EHIC is still valid 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. How to renew a GHIC or EHIC 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: 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.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Yahoo
What is a GHIC, which countries accept it and how do you apply? What to know
While packing to go on holiday means you'll be getting organised and gathering all the boarding passes and passports for your trip, having a GHIC with you could help with travel costs should you need it. Currently, some passengers may still be using an EHIC, but what is it and what are they used for? Here's everything you need to know about EHICs and GHICs. The Post Office website explains: "If you fall ill or are injured on a temporary visit to an EU country, a valid GHIC or EHIC will entitle you to the same emergency or necessary state healthcare as its local citizens. Nothing to see here, just casually working preparing my graphics for tonight's LIVE summer special (ITV 8pm)... Oh, in front of Concorde! — Martin Lewis (@MartinSLewis) May 20, 2025 "This often means healthcare would be provided for free or at a much lower cost than they'd be without a valid card." You might already have a UK European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), and you can continue to use this until the expiry date printed on the card is reached. It's important to note that EHICs and GHICs do not replace travel insurance – you still need to organise insurance before your trip. You can use an EHIC in a country in the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland. If you're visiting the following places, you can use a GHIC, according to the NHS: A country in the European Economic Area (EEA) Montenegro Australia Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man St Helena, Tristan and Ascension If one of the following applies to you, you can use a GHIC in Switzerland: You're a British national You're a Swiss national You're an EU citizen You're a refugee You're a stateless person You're a family member of someone who holds one of the above nationalities or statuses The UK government wants to add more countries to the list where GHICs can be used, so check before you travel. Don't risk your travel plans! These quick checks will help you #GetTravelReady 1️⃣ Expiry date - is it valid for your destination? 2️⃣ Damage check - any tears, stains, or loose pages? 3️⃣ Enough blank pages for visa stamps? Need to renew? — His Majesty's Passport Office (@HM_Passport) May 14, 2025 If you need to apply for a GHIC, you can head to the NHS website. Applying for a GHIC is free, and you should avoid using unofficial websites that could charge you. When applying for a GHIC, which lasts up to five years, you will need to provide your full name, address, date of birth and national insurance number. Recommended reading: Travel expert issues 'crucial' passport warning ahead of holiday season Can you still use a red passport for travelling in 2025? Rules to follow 2025 hand luggage sizes for Ryanair, EasyJet, Jet2 and other airlines You can apply for a new EHIC if: "You're living in the EEA or Switzerland and have been since before 1 January 2021 with a registered S1, E121, E106 or E109 form issued by the UK "You're living in the EEA or Switzerland since before 1 January 2021 with an A1 issued by the UK "You're a national of the EEA or Switzerland who has legally resided in the UK since before 1 January 2021 and are covered under the Withdrawal Agreement – you may not be covered if you are also a UK national or if you were born in the UK "You're a family member or dependent of an entitled individual already listed". You can find out more about travelling abroad via the government website.
