Brits heading on holidays are being warned to double check their key documents or they could be risking some massive bills while abroad
Brits are being warned by travel insurance experts to check a key document before heading abroad – or they could be risking a massive bill.
Mirror Switch and Save has teamed up with Quotezone.co.uk to help you compare travel insurance policies to protect yourself abroad, but the experts have warned that Brits should also make sure they have a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) in case something goes wrong on holiday.
An EHIC gives you access to emergency and medically necessary healthcare in the EU and some other countries, including Australia. In 2020, it was replaced by the GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card), but EHIC cards remained valid until their expiry date. As they last for five years, 2025 is expected to include a surge of travellers who will need a GHIC, but may not even be aware.
That’s why travel insiders are urging Brits to check the expiry date on their EHIC. You can apply for a GHIC up to nine months before your EHIC expires, and you can do so for free on the NHS website.
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. A broken leg in Spain could cost travellers over £25,000, while an accident in Greece resulting in surgery and medical evacuation could cost Brits over £80,000.
It’s worth noting that the travel card 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. However, the good news is that you can find travel insurance policies which do cover these risks.
Just make sure you disclose any pre-existing medical conditions to your provider, or you could risk invalidating your policy.
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.”
Looking for travel insurance? Mirror Switch and Save has partnered with Quotezone.co.uk to help you compare a wide range of travel insurance quotes, from trusted UK insurance providers.
You can find out more about Greg Wilson here.
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