'Check now' as thousands at risk of important NHS document expiring summer 2026

'Check now' as thousands at risk of important NHS document expiring summer 2026People are being urged to check theirs as soon as possible before peak seasonCommentsNewsCharlotte Smith Senior Lifestyle Content Editor13:20, 12 Apr 2026Updated 13:31, 12 Apr 2026View 3 ImagesMore than 1.2 million are due to expire in 2026 (stock image)(Image: Getty)An alert has been issued by money specialists, as an important document is expected to expire for millions of people in the UK this year. It is raising concerns that large numbers of British travellers could be caught out just as the holiday season reaches its peak.‌More than 1.2 million UK Global Health Insurance Cards (GHICs) are due to expire in 2026. Nearly 800,000 are expected to run out during the peak summer holiday months of July to September, according to new Freedom of Information data accessed by PayingTooMuch, a travel insurance comparison site.‌The NHS says a GHIC lets you get necessary state healthcare in the European Economic Area (EEA) and in some other countries on the same basis as a resident of those countries. This may be free, or it may require a payment equivalent to that which a local resident would pay.‌On the NHS website, it states: "A UK GHIC is free and lasts for up to five years. Apply for your new card through the NHS website. Avoid unofficial websites – they may charge you a fee to apply. The UK GHIC is not a replacement for travel insurance. We advise you to have private travel and medical insurance for the duration of your trip."The FOI sent to NHS Business Services Authority also highlights a significant rise in expiring cards this summer. The data shows that more than 290,000 GHICs are due to run out in August alone, coinciding with the busiest period for overseas travel.View 3 ImagesThe UK GHIC has replaced the existing European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)‌In response, a money specialist warns that thousands of travellers could unknowingly head abroad with expired GHICs...