1.2M GHIC cards expiring

More than 1.2 million United Kingdom Global Health Insurance Cards are due to expire in 2026, including nearly 800,000 in July, August and September. (sustainhealth.fit) The figures came from Freedom of Information data obtained from the National Health Service Business Services Authority by comparison site PayingTooMuch, according to Sustain Health. The National Health Service Business Services Authority says travelers can renew a card up to nine months before it expires. (sustainhealth.fit) (faq.nhsbsa.nhs.uk) A Global Health Insurance Card gives eligible United Kingdom residents access to medically necessary state healthcare in European Union countries and some other places on the same basis as a local resident. The National Health Service Business Services Authority says the card is free to apply for online. (nhsbsa.nhs.uk) (overseas-healthcare.nhsbsa.nhs.uk) The card does not replace travel insurance. The National Health Service Business Services Authority says travelers should still buy insurance because a card may not cover private treatment, mountain rescue, being flown back to the United Kingdom, or costs such as lost property. (nhsbsa.nhs.uk) The processing window is another deadline to watch before summer trips. The National Health Service Business Services Authority says a new card can take up to 15 working days to arrive. (faq.nhsbsa.nhs.uk) Travelers with an older European Health Insurance Card can keep using it until the date printed on the card. After that, most people need to apply for a United Kingdom Global Health Insurance Card instead. (nhsbsa.nhs.uk) (gov.uk) If a card has already expired, the National Health Service Business Services Authority says the holder must apply again rather than renew it. If someone is abroad without a card and needs urgent treatment, the agency also provides temporary cover through a Provisional Replacement Certificate. (overseas-healthcare.nhsbsa.nhs.uk) (faq.nhsbsa.nhs.uk) For 2026 summer travelers, the practical check is simple: look at the expiry date, renew early if the card is still valid, and do not assume the card covers every medical bill abroad. (faq.nhsbsa.nhs.uk) (nhsbsa.nhs.uk)