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Can you still use an EHIC card when travelling in 2026? The rules to be aware of
UK residents must verify if their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is valid for 2026 or apply for the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) as the EHIC no longer covers all destinations.
- On December 28, 2025, NHS Overseas Healthcare Services urged travellers to check EHIC expiry or apply for a Global Health Insurance Card, which replaced the EHIC in January 2021.
- Coverage differs, with an EHIC valid only in the European Economic Area and Switzerland while a GHIC also covers Montenegro, Australia, Jersey, Guernsey, the Isle of Man, St Helena, Tristan and Ascension.
- When you apply, expect an approval email within 24 hours and your GHIC card by post within 15 working days after providing personal details to the NHS.
- Neither card replaces travel insurance, and both exclude private medical facilities, repatriation, cruise, and winter sports scenarios, so travellers need separate policies for planned trips.
- You can apply up to nine months before expiry, and applicants can add a spouse, civil partner and children, but each family member must have their own card.
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Total News Sources12
Leaning Left1Leaning Right0Center11Last UpdatedBias Distribution92% Center
Bias Distribution
- 92% of the sources are Center
92% Center
C 92%
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