Thousands of UK holidaymakers could face hefty medical bills abroad this summer due to a widespread misconception about post-Brexit health insurance cards, money-saving expert Martin Lewis has warned.
Many European Health Insurance Cards (EHICs) issued before 1st January 2021 are no longer valid for travel to EU member states, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein. Yet countless travellers still believe their old cards will protect them if medical emergencies strike whilst abroad.
The founder of MoneySavingExpert.com stressed that holidaymakers relying on expired EHICs could find themselves completely unprotected, facing the full cost of emergency treatment in European hospitals. The government introduced the UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) to replace the EHIC for most new applications, maintaining similar reciprocal healthcare arrangements with EU countries.
However, Lewis emphasised that even a valid GHIC or new EHIC (issued under specific circumstances, such as for students studying in the EU) only covers state-provided emergency or necessary healthcare at local resident rates. This means private healthcare facilities are typically excluded, and crucial costs like medical repatriation to the UK aren't covered - potentially leaving families with bills running into tens of thousands of pounds.
For practical protection, holidaymakers need to secure both a valid GHIC and comprehensive travel insurance. Applying for a GHIC is free through the official NHS website, though travellers should beware of unofficial sites that charge fees for the service. Processing takes several weeks, so early application is essential for upcoming trips.
The stakes are clear: without proper documentation and insurance, a medical emergency abroad could result in devastating financial consequences that far exceed the cost of comprehensive travel cover.
Source: Money Saving Expert