Holiday warning as Brits told to check their EHIC before next foreign trip

BRITS are being urged to check their EHICs before going on holiday with thousands set to expire by the end of the year.

The European Health Insurance Cards have been replaced by the  Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) since Brexit.

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While the EHICs are still valid until their expiry date, it is estimated that as many as 600,000 are to expire between now and the end of 2022.

The cards are free for Brits and it is advised to take them on holiday as it gives you access to healthcare across the EU for the same prices as a local.

You can apply for a new GHIC at nhs.uk/ghic.

According to consumer experts Which? the average processing time for a GHIC application was 20 working days at the end of September.

So if you have less than a month left on the card, then you should apply for a new one now.

The GHIC offers the same medical healthcare as before, which includes pre-existing conditions when abroad on the same cost and basis as residents in the country.

However, the new GHIC is not valid in Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.

Anyone who forgets to take it with them can apply for a provisional replacement certificate (PRC) by contacting NHS Overseas Healthcare Services (NHSOHS).

Holidaymakers are still advised to take out travel insurance as the GHIC does not cover all medical emergencies.

The cards are only used for necessary medical treatment and not for non-urgent care.

We’ve explained everything you need to know about your holiday to an EU country since the Brexit deal was introduced.

Brits will also get a navy passport instead of the burgundy passport.

The new blue passport design was phased in back in 2020 after the UK voted to leave the EU.

And new passports will also soon be authorised by His Majesty instead of Her Majesty since the Queen’s death.

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