New rules for health insurance card, is yours expiring?

Brits are being urged to check the expiry date on their European Health Insurance Cards (EHIC) before making summer travel plans.

Travel insurance comparison experts at Quotezone.co.uk have issued a warning as travellers could be caught out if their card has expired.

The GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card) replaced the EHIC in 2020, providing access to emergency and medically necessary healthcare in the EU and some other countries, including Australia. However, some EHIC cards remain valid until their expiry date.  Given they last for five years, 2025 will likely see a surge in travellers needing to change to the GHIC for the first time, who may be unaware of these changes.

Under post-Brexit travel rules, Brits must apply for a GHIC once their EHIC expires or up to nine months before its expiration.

Failing to do so could result in UK travellers having to pay massive bills for their medical care – even if they did take out travel insurance ahead of their travels.

General travel insurance is sensible to protect and compensate travellers, even if they do have a GHIC or EHIC.  Some insurers may waive any excess on medical treatment if you use an EHIC or GHIC but you need to check the terms of the policy.

The travelcard does not cover other costs incurred during treatments abroad, including paying for the return journey if the illness or accident requires longer treatment, covering personal contributions towards treatment or any special assistance to get home – something most travel insurance policies could help with. 

When taking out a travel insurance policy, travellers are reminded to disclose pre-existing medical conditions, provide all necessary and accurate details to the policy holder and make sure the policy meets specific needs of the trip.

Failure to provide an efficient travel insurance policy could see British travellers paying thousands of pounds for essential care.

A broken leg in Spain could cost travellers over £25,000, while an accident in Greece resulting in surgery and medical evacuation could cost Britons over £80,000.* 

Greg Wilson, CEO and travel insurance expert at Quotezone.co.uk said: “This year will be important, even for seasoned travellers, to make sure they are aware of changes to travel requirements. 

“Anyone travelling with a valid EHIC can continue to use it when they travel within European countries up until its expiration date. But, if your card is nearing expiration or you have misplaced your card, it is time to apply for the new GHIC.  Anyone who renewed in 2020 as the legislation changed, will have received some of the last EHIC’s available and will now, five years on, be ready for their first GHIC.  

“Remember, the card is not a replacement for travel insurance, it allows you access to medically necessary treatment at the local rate of the country you are in – so it is important you have a relevant and accurate insurance policy to protect you before travelling, especially if you have a pre-existing condition.

“Travel insurance is a vital part of any trip, and can provide peace of mind for holidaymakers. But, it also provides essential cover for parts of your care which an EHIC or GHIC would not – including covering your travel home or any special requirements needed to get you back home, depending on your policy.

“We urge all Brits to have a look for their EHIC and check the expiration date ahead of their spring or summer travels to avoid the risk of being left vulnerable if the worst were to happen abroad.

“Healthcare in some countries across Europe can be very expensive even for the smallest of injuries, so when checking your passport is in date this holiday season, be sure to also check your health insurance card.”   

Use the NHS website to apply for a card for free, some other unofficial websites may charge a fee.  It lasts for five years and doesn’t normally take long to arrive, approximately 15 working days, and can be renewed online, however leave plenty of additional time for postage in the build up to the busy holiday season as you need to take the physical card with you.  If you have to travel before it arrives and you need medical treatment abroad, you can get temporary cover via a Provisional Replacement Certificate (PRC).*

It’s key to be well prepared before you set off with your insurance policy details to hand, including the policy number and your insurer’s emergency phone number.  Even share your policy details with friends or family at home and fellow travellers, just in case they need to contact your insurance company for you.

Quotezone helps travellers compare and find savings on all sorts of travel insurance, such as backpacker, multi-trip and European travel insurance.

Reference:

*https://www.gov.uk/guidance/foreign-travel-insurance