MILLIONS of Brits will be left without a European Health Insurance Card in 2025, with experts warning Brits to apply for its replacement.

When Brexit came into force in 2020, new European Health Insurance Cards (EHIC) became obsolete.

However, Brits who already had a pre-existing EHIC before Brexit took effect would still have a valid EHIC because they last for five years.

According to data from the NHS, as many as 1.8million EHICs are due to expire in 2025.

A team of travel insurance experts at Quotezone.co.uk are encouraging UK holidaymakers to apply for a Global Health Insurance Card.

Just like an EHIC, a GHIC provides Brits access to medically necessary state healthcare at the same cost as local residents.

This includes all 28 EU countries, Switzerland, Montenegro, the Channel Islands and Australia.

The card is free for Brits, who can apply to get a new one nine months before their old one expires.

British holidaymakers who don’t have a card could be left with a hefty medical bill – even if they did take out travel insurance ahead of their travels.

In Spain, medical appointments without a GHIC can cost between €30 (£24.99) and €70 (£58.32) per consultation and are usually free with a GHIC, while A&E visits cost around €200 (£166) or more.

Brits using their GHIC in Germany would likely pay €30 (£24.99), which is around half the price of a medical consultation without a card.

Doctor’s appointments with a GHIC in Italy are typically free, with services costing around €36 (£29.99) without the card.

Meanwhile, in France, the cost depends on the type of appointment with most services still free for those Brits who travel with a GHIC.

Any Brits travelling without a GHIC will need to pay a minimum of €30 (£24.99) to see a doctor and around €100 or more for a visit to A&E.

In Sweden, Brits who travel with a GHIC will be charged the same as residents 100 SEK (£7.39).

However, these costs can climb up to as much as £29.56 without the card.

What about travel insurance?

Travel insurance is another must as it helps to protect and compensate holidaymakers when things go awry.

Some insurers waive any excess on medical treatment if a holidaymaker has used a GHIC – although you’ll need to check the policy for details.

That being said, a GHIC does not cover other costs incurred if treatment takes place abroad such as paying for the return journey, covering personal contributions towards treatment or any special assistance to get home.

What’s more, the GHIC isn’t globally accepted, with the cards not providing cover in places like Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein.

Which is why it’s even more important to get comprehensive insurance.

Remember, the card is not a replacement for travel insurance

Additional costs are often covered by travel insurance policies – although holidaymakers will need to check details with their provider.

When taking out travel insurance, holidaymakers need to disclose pre-existing medical conditions, provide all necessary and accurate details to the policyholder, and make sure the policy meets the specific needs of the trip.

Brits who don’t have an efficient travel insurance policy could have to fork out thousands of pounds for essential care.

Travel insurance expert and CEO at Quotezone.co.uk, Greg Wilson, 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.”

Last year, research from Direct Line Travel Insurance, revealed as many as 32 million Brits didn’t have a GHIC.

Meanwhile, these are the five easy mistakes people make before going on holiday.

And these big holiday mistakes could also cost you money.

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