Can you still use an EHIC card when travelling in 2026?

But with the GHIC largely replacing the EHIC for UK residents post-Brexit, it is important to take the right one when going travelling.

GHIC and EHIC cards allow travellers from the UK to receive state healthcare in another country (in the European Economic Area – EEA) “on the same basis as a resident in that country”, the NHS explains.

But before you travel in 2026, you need to check if your card is still valid.

Can you still use an EHIC card when travelling in 2026?

If you are planning to travel with an old EHIC card in 2026, the only thing you need to ensure is that it has not expired.

If you still have an EHIC, you can continue to use it until the expiry date on the card.

To find out when it expires, check the expiry date box in the bottom right corner of the card. This will give you an exact date when it expires.

Once expired, you’ll need to apply for a UK GHIC to replace it, which can be done up to nine months before the former is no longer valid.

A GHIC card is free and lasts for up to five years.

Is your UK GHIC in date for your travel this year? Check the expiry date or apply for a new card today:

➡️ https://t.co/5puO3QZdGM pic.twitter.com/LICBHBTR3M

— NHS Overseas Healthcare Services (@NHSBSA_OHS) December 28, 2025

What’s the difference between an EHIC and a GHIC?

The UK launched the new GHIC in January 2021 to partially replace the old EHIC.

Before then, UK residents were entitled to a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) and despite Brexit, the UK and EU agreed that reciprocal healthcare provision would continue, hence the introduction of the GHIC.

Both cards provide access to state healthcare on the same basis as a local resident of the country you are visiting.

However, the key difference is in where both cards can be used.

An EHIC can only be used in the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland.

However, a GHIC is also valid in Montenegro, Australia, Jersey, Guernsey, the Isle of Man, St Helena, Tristan and Ascension.

Do you still need to get travel insurance with a GHIC or EHIC?

Whether you have an EHIC or GHIC, neither replaces travel insurance, and you still need separate insurance for planned travel.

Despite giving travellers the ability to receive emergency medical treatment, they don’t cover repatriation (the return of a person to their country) if you need to return to the UK – something that’s included in many travel insurance policies.

A UK GHIC or EHIC also does not cover treatment in a private medical facility, or if you fall ill on a cruise or require rescue during a winter sports holiday.

The EHIC was replaced by the GHIC in 2021 (Image: Getty)

How to renew a GHIC or EHIC

Renewing or applying for a GHIC card is easy and can be done through the NHS.

Any resident in the UK can apply for a GHIC, and when applying, you will need to provide the following:

You’ll need to provide your:

• full name
• address
• date of birth
• National Insurance number
• Health and Care number (if you’re from Northern Ireland)

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You can also add your spouse, civil partner and children to your application when you apply for a GHIC, but every member of your family must have their own card.

After the application is completed, you will typically receive an email within 24 hours to confirm whether it has been approved or not, with some additional information or documents sometimes being needed before approval.

Once approved, you should receive your new card within 15 working days through the post.