A family from Manchester lands in Barcelona for half-term. On day two their daughter falls off a rented bike and breaks her wrist. The hospital asks for a European Health Insurance Card. The father pulls out his old EHIC — issued in 2018, expired in 2023. Post-Brexit, it counts for nothing. The hospital treats the girl, but the bill hits €1,400 out of pocket. Travel insurance covers most of it. Still, the excess and the stress of sorting paperwork in Spanish turn a simple fracture into a holiday the family would rather forget.
EHIC GHIC card expiry catches millions of travellers off guard every year. These small cards give you access to state healthcare across Europe. They cost nothing to get and take minutes to apply for. A valid card can save you thousands in medical bills. Yet many people travel without one. Most did not realise theirs had expired — or that the rules changed after Brexit.
This guide explains what the EHIC and GHIC are, how they differ, when they expire, and how to renew yours before your next trip.
What Is the EHIC/GHIC?
The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) lets EU and EEA citizens get state medical care in any other member state. Say you are a French citizen visiting Italy and need a doctor. The EHIC means the hospital treats you on the same terms — and at the same cost — as an Italian resident.
The Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) replaced the EHIC for UK residents. After Brexit, UK citizens lost access to the EU scheme. The UK launched the GHIC in January 2021 to keep reciprocal healthcare going. It works much like the EHIC but only covers treatment in EU countries.
Both cards are free. They cover treatment you need during a temporary stay — not elective procedures or care that is the reason for your trip. Think emergency rooms, GP visits for sudden illness, or ongoing care for a chronic condition while abroad.
EHIC vs GHIC: What's the Difference?
| Feature | EHIC | GHIC |
|---|---|---|
| Issued to | EU/EEA citizens | UK residents |
| Countries covered | EU/EEA + Switzerland | 27 EU member states |
| Covers Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein | Yes | No |
| Covers Switzerland | Yes | No (separate arrangement) |
| Typical validity | Varies by country (up to 10 years) | 5 years |
| Cost | Free | Free |
The key gap is geography. EU citizens can use the EHIC in Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein on top of all EU states. The UK GHIC does not work in those countries. The UK does have separate healthcare deals with some non-EU nations.
EHIC GHIC Card Expiry: When Does Yours Run Out?
The GHIC lasts 5 years from the date of issue. You will find the expiry date on the front of the card. You can apply for a new one up to 6 months before it runs out.
EHIC validity varies by country. Some EU states issue cards for 2 years. Others last up to 10 years. France and Germany usually give 2-year cards. Spain and Italy tie them to your health registration, so you may renew every year. Check with your national health body for the exact rules.
A common mistake: assuming a card still works because the printed date has not passed. If you change your country of residence, nationality, or health insurance, the card may stop being valid. Move from the UK to France, for example, and your GHIC no longer counts — you need a French EHIC instead.
Don't forget your EHIC or GHIC renewal. StayValid sends you a reminder before your card expires.
Start Tracking FreeHow to Renew Your GHIC (UK Residents)
Renewing a GHIC costs nothing. It takes about five minutes online.
- Go to the official NHS website at nhs.uk/ghic.
- Enter your name, date of birth, address, and NHS number (if you have it).
- Submit the form. There is no fee. If a site asks you to pay, leave — you are on a third-party site.
- Your new GHIC arrives by post in 2 to 3 weeks. In busy months (April to June) it can take up to 6 weeks.
Apply at least a month before you travel. If your trip is sooner and the card has expired, call NHS Overseas Healthcare Services on 0191 218 1999. Ask for a Provisional Replacement Certificate (PRC). The PRC gives you the same cover as the card.
Important: never pay for a GHIC. The NHS issues it for free. Some websites charge £20 to £40 to "process" your form. They just fill in the same free application on your behalf.
How to Renew Your EHIC (EU Residents)
Each EU country runs its own process, but the idea is the same: apply through your national health provider. The EHIC is free in every EU state.
- France — Apply on the Ameli portal or visit your local CPAM office. It takes about 2 weeks.
- Germany — Contact your Krankenkasse (health insurer). Most send a new card within days.
- Spain — Apply on the Seguridad Social website or visit your local INSS office. Bring your NIE or DNI number.
- Italy — Go to your local ASL office with your tessera sanitaria and ID.
- Netherlands — Ask your health insurer. They usually send it with your policy papers.
For other EU countries, the European Commission EHIC page lists the issuing body for every member state. Swiss residents apply through their cantonal health insurer.
What the EHIC and GHIC Actually Cover
Both cards cover state-provided treatment you need during a temporary stay. You pay the same price a local resident would pay. If locals face a co-payment, you pay the same amount.
Covered treatment includes:
- Emergency hospital visits, surgery, and overnight stays
- GP and specialist visits at public clinics
- Prescriptions at the local rate
- Oxygen therapy and kidney dialysis
- Ongoing care for chronic conditions
- Maternity care for unexpected labour
Show the card at reception before treatment starts. Some countries process it on the spot. Others ask you to pay first and claim the cost back later.
What the Card Does NOT Cover
This is where people get caught out. The cards do not replace travel insurance. They have big gaps:
- Medical flights home — Neither card pays for repatriation. A medical flight can cost £10,000 to £50,000.
- Private hospitals — Only state facilities count. If you end up in a private clinic (common in tourist areas), the card will not help.
- Dental work — Some countries cover emergency dental care. Routine or elective dentistry is never covered.
- Mountain rescue — A helicopter rescue in the Alps can cost €5,000 to €15,000. The card does not pay for it.
- Non-EU countries — Turkey, Morocco, Tunisia, and other popular spots outside the EU are not included.
- Lost bags, cancellations, or theft — These fall under travel insurance, not healthcare cards.
In short: the card handles medical bills at state hospitals. For everything else, you need travel insurance.
What Happens If You Travel Without a Valid EHIC or GHIC
No hospital will turn you away. EU law requires emergency care no matter what. But without a valid card, you pay the full local rate upfront.
Costs vary widely. A GP visit in France might cost €25. A three-day hospital stay in Germany could hit €3,000 or more. In Scandinavian countries, where the state covers most care, paying out of pocket can be very expensive.
You can try to claim costs back after you return home. Send receipts to your national health body. But it takes 6 to 12 months, and they may not pay back every expense. Carrying a valid card avoids the whole problem.
EHIC/GHIC and Travel Insurance: Why You Need Both
Think of the card as your first line of defence. Travel insurance is the safety net. They work together — the card handles state hospital bills, and insurance covers what the card misses.
A valid card can make your travel insurance work better. Many insurers drop the medical excess if you show the card at the hospital. Some offer lower premiums when you hold a valid EHIC or GHIC.
It works the other way too. Travel insurance pays co-payments the card does not cover. It also handles repatriation, private treatment, and non-medical risks like cancellation and theft. Carry both and you are covered from every angle. If you are heading to the EU, also check that your passport is up to date and review our insurance renewal checklist.