Nearly two million UK-issued health cards are due to expire this year, raising concerns for travellers seeking emergency medical care in Europe.
These cards—European Health Insurance Cards (EHIC) and Global Health Insurance Cards (GHIC)—allow UK residents access to free or reduced-cost emergency treatment while travelling in Europe. Without a valid card, travellers risk facing expensive medical bills abroad.
New NHS data shared with travel insurer Holidaysafe reveals the UK government has spent over £800 million on medical treatment for travellers overseas since 2016. Amber Moon, brand manager at Holidaysafe, warned many cardholders may be unaware their cards are expiring.
“Renewing your GHIC is free and quick via the official NHS website,” she said. “Failing to renew could result in costly medical bills.”
The NHS Business Services Authority estimates that 1,960,640 health cards will expire during 2025. While these cards provide access to emergency care on the same terms as local residents, they do not replace travel insurance. They do not cover repatriation costs or treatments related to cruises or winter sports.
Experts advise travellers to ensure both their health card and travel insurance policies are valid before travelling this summer, as millions of UK residents plan trips across Europe.
A Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office spokesperson said: “Your EHIC or GHIC grants access to medically necessary care at public hospitals in Europe, but it won’t cover everything. Always check your travel insurance before travelling.”
The cards are free and can be obtained or renewed through the NHS website. They cover emergency treatment, accident and emergency visits, care for chronic conditions, and routine maternity care—except for pregnancies intended to result in childbirth abroad.
With high costs already borne by the UK government for overseas medical treatment, travellers are encouraged to check their health card expiry dates to avoid unexpected expenses.
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