Are you one of the millions of UK travellers who takes their EHIC cover with them when they head off to other European countries for business or pleasure? If you are, you’ll know the huge benefits which having EHIC cover can bring you, and that it allows you to access state healthcare in all the countries which make up the European Economic Area. Unlike passports however, EHIC tends to be the sort of thing which we obtain, then forget about. EHIC doesn’t last forever though, so check whether you need to renew yours before your next trip overseas.

Validity of EHIC

EHIC cover is valid for five years from date of issue. If you are unsure when your EHIC expires, the date will be printed on the card on the bottom right hand corner. You can set up reminders on your phone or calendar to remind you when it’s time to renew, or if you have used a third party website to help you with your EHIC application, they will often offer a service to inform you by phone or email when it’s time to start the renewal process. The one thing clouding issues at the moment is Brexit – once the process starts, there is every possibility that EHIC will cease to be valid at some point over the next two or three years. Watch the press and NHS websites for information about what Brexit means for EHIC.

Online Renewals

The easiest way to renew your EHIC is through a website. You can log in and renew your EHIC when it has six months left to run on the card or less, and the remaining period will be added onto the term of your new card. Children cannot organise their own EHIC renewals and parents must process the renewals on their behalf. The easiest way of doing this is usually by making sure that everyone’s EHIC is expiring at the same time. If this isn’t possible, a system of reminders can help you keep on top of whose EHIC is due to expire when.

What You Need to Renew

If you are at the stage of needing to renew your EHIC, you’ll need the same information as you had when you initially applied. This includes your personal details such as name, address and date of birth, and your National Insurance number or NHS number. Children who do not have their own National Insurance number have their parent’s number entered in the relevant box, along with a tick to confirm that the child listed is a dependent of the adult applying on their behalf. Renewal applications are considered by the NHS, and you will be sent a new card out in the post.

Take It With You!

Once renewed, don’t just put your EHIC in a drawer and forget about it. Take it with you when you travel abroad on business or pleasure, and keep it with other important documents like your passport or travel insurance policy. Taking photocopies or photographs of EHIC and other important documents can help with arranging replacements in an emergency.