Sage-Tips

Can I still use my EU health card?

As part of the deal announced on 24 December 2020, the UK and the EU agreed that the cards can still be used until their expiry dates. After that, the government will issue a new Global Heath Insurance Card (GHIC) which will replace the EHIC for the majority of UK citizens.

Can I still renew my EHIC card?

The EHIC is valid for up to five years. Check your EHIC is still valid before you travel. You can renew an EHIC up to six months before the expiry date, but any time left on the card will not be added to your new card.

Is the European health card still valid after Brexit?

Is my EHIC still valid after Brexit? Yes, you can still use a UK-issued EHIC after Brexit. So if you already have an EHIC and you’re going on a temporary visit to an EU country – perhaps for a holiday, to study or for work – you can use it to access state healthcare until it expires.

How long does the European health card last?

It lasts for up to 4 years. You will need to apply to renew your card and you can renew online. When abroad, always carry your EHIC with you. It will not cover you for healthcare outside of the EU, other than Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein (EEA) and Switzerland.

What if my EHIC has expired?

If you have a UK European Health Insurance Card ( EHIC ) it will be valid until the expiry date on the card. Once it expires, you’ll need to apply for a GHIC to replace it. GHIC and EHIC do not replace travel insurance.

What replaces EHIC after Brexit?

Though new EHICs are still being issued for a few groups, the UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) is the post-Brexit replacement for the EHIC. If you’re a UK resident not insured by another EU country, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland, you should apply for a GHIC once your EHIC expires.

Can I use my EHIC card in Spain after Brexit?

UK state pensioners who have moved to Spain before the end of 2020 will be able to use the EHIC beyond 2020, after Brexit fully comes into effect. However, if you are included in thi category, you must apply for a new EHIC as your current one won’t be valid.

Are EHIC cards still valid in Spain?

Updated page to reflect that European Health Insurance Cards (EHIC) will continue to be accepted in Spain from 1 January 2021.

How long is the European Health Insurance Card valid for?

about 1 to 5 years
The duration of your EHIC depends on the country that issued it and ranges from a few months up to ten years. However, in most cases, the EHIC is valid for about 1 to 5 years. You will know when it expires after you receive the card, as it is usually printed out on it.

Can an Irish citizen living in the UK get an EHIC card?

Irish citizens who were born in the UK, including people of Northern Ireland who are Irish citizens, will not usually be eligible for a new UK-issued EHIC. As a UK resident they should apply for a GHIC.

Do British pensioners get free healthcare in Spain?

UK pensioner residing in Spain You will receive medical care in the country where you live as long as you are entitled to medical care in the country you receive your pension from, such as a State Pension or Government Pension. You must apply for the S1 form in the UK when you arrive in Spain.

Is my EHIC card still valid in Ireland?

How long is the validity of a European health insurance card?

The validity of a European Health Insurance Card also differs from one country to another. I.e. in the United Kingdom, a card is valid from six months, up to five years. You can apply for an EHIC card renewal in UK six months prior to the expiration of your card’s validity.

Do I need a European health insurance card (EHIC) card?

Do you need a European Health Insurance (EHIC) card? You are not legally required to have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) prior to traveling abroad, although we would certainly recommend it.

Is my EHIC valid in all EU countries?

EHIC is valid in all EU and EEA countries, except the following: You will be able to renew your European Health Card prior to its expiration, if you wish to. Once again, the EHIC renewal process depends on your country of residence and the way they have regulated EHIC renewal.

Are health insurance cards free in the UK?

Both new UK European Health Insurance Cards (EHIC’s) and UK Global Health Insurance Cards (GHIC’s) are completely free. However, there are many third-party sites out there who will try and charge a fee for this so watch out for these and always go through the official government website when you apply.