Is Your EHIC or GHIC About to Expire? What Families Need to Know Before Travelling to Europe

Planning a family getaway to Europe? While you’re sorting sun hats, passports and travel snacks, there’s one more essential item to check: your family’s EHIC or GHIC.

Recent data shows that almost 2 million UK-issued EHIC and GHIC cards will expire in 2025 — potentially leaving thousands of families without access to essential healthcare abroad.

What Is a GHIC — and Why Does It Matter?

The Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) — which has largely replaced the older EHIC — gives UK citizens access to emergency or routine state healthcare in EU countries and a few other destinations.

It’s free to apply for via the official NHS website, and it can cover treatments such as:

• A&E visits
• Care for pre-existing conditions
• Routine maternity care (if you’re not going abroad to give birth)

A GHIC isn’t a catch-all solution. It won’t cover:

• Private healthcare
• Repatriation back to the UK
• Cruises or adventure activities like skiing
• Costs in non-EU destinations such as Norway or Iceland

That’s why travel insurance remains important — even with a valid GHIC in hand.

Don’t Get Caught Out: Check Your Card’s Expiry Date

Data obtained by Holidaysafe from the NHS Business Services Authority reveals that nearly 2 million health cards are due to expire in 2025. That includes:

• Older EHICs
• GHICs
• UK EHICs issued under the Withdrawal Agreement

“Renewing your GHIC is free and takes just minutes via the official NHS website,” says Amber Moon, Brand Manager at Holidaysafe. “Apply early, particularly ahead of the school summer holidays to avoid delays.”

Find out more about Family Travel Insurance and Annual Multi Trip options to see if our cover fits your plans. Whichever policy you decide to go with check the limits and exclusions to make sure your cover matches your requirements.

Quick GHIC Facts for Families

• GHIC and valid EHIC cards entitle you to free or low-cost treatment in all EU countries, plus Switzerland, and Montenegro,
• The UK has separate reciprocal health agreements with Australia, Jersey, Guernsey, the Isle of Man, and St. Helena, Tristan and Ascension islands.
• They’re free and should be applied for individually — there’s no “family” card.
• chatCards are valid for up to five years.

Don’t Risk It – Travel Smart

Healthcare abroad can be expensive. In fact, the UK has paid over £813 million since 2016 to cover treatment for British travellers abroad under reciprocal agreements. With the cost of travel rising, it’s more important than ever to make sure your EHIC or GHIC is in date and that you have the right travel insurance in place.

Check your card. Renew if needed. And don’t forget your travel insurance.