Martin Lewis' Money Saving Expert is urging millions of people to make an important check ahead of trips abroad this year.
Before Brexit, UK travellers could apply for a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) which covers free state healthcare to the cardholder in EU countries. Now Britain has left the EU the rules have changed.
If your EHIC card is yet to run out, you can still use it until its expiry date.
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But, MSE warns, more than five million of the cards will expire this year. If you don't have a valid EHIC, you'll need to apply for a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC).
MSE adds that the GHIC and the EHIC are both free and do essentially the same thing, and that you still need travel insurance to protect you in other potential circumstances including cancellations, theft, and certain medical treatments.
Likewise if you have travel insurance, it is still very much worth having an EHIC or GHIC as this can cover things which may not be included in your policy. Additionally, some travel insurers will insist you have a GHIC/EHIC.
How to check if your EHIC has expired, or is due to expire
The expiry date is on the bottom right of the card. If your expiry date is before you are due to return from your trip, you'll need to apply for a GHIC instead.
You can apply online here. You must be over 16 to apply for a GHIC, but to include a child you can add them as a "dependant" when applying for your own card.
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