1.3 Million UK GHIC Cards Expire in 2026, Holidaymakers Warned Nearly 1.3 million UK GHIC cards will expire in 2026, prompting a warning for holidaymakers to check their card before travelling abroad. Nearly 1.3 million UK Global Health Insurance Cards (GHICs) are set to expire in 2026, according to NHS figures obtained by Compare the Market. Holidaymakers who have not checked their card recently could face unexpected bills if they need emergency healthcare abroad. A total of 1,299,484 UK GHICs will expire this year, prompting a fresh reminder for travellers to verify their card before jetting off. GHIC Expiry Numbers and UsageGHICs provide access to necessary state healthcare abroad for UK residents, though they are not a substitute for travel insurance. The NHS processed 5,035,075 applications in 2025 alone. Currently, 23,347,894 GHICs are in circulation in the UK and abroad, including 23,324,451 in the UK. Thousands are also held by people living overseas.Spain has the highest number of GHICs held abroad, at 11,437, followed by France with 6,247 and Cyprus with 1,272. The NHS data also reveals how frequently GHICs are used. There were 73,204 instances of GHIC use recorded in 2025, following 111,870 in 2024 and 108,528 in 2023.Over the three years, Spain recorded 137,263 instances of GHIC use, making it by far the most common destination under the scheme. Poland followed with 59,173 instances, then France with 15,497 and Germany with 15,410.Expert Advice on GHIC and Travel InsuranceTim Knighton, travel insurance expert at Compare the Market, said that with nearly 1.3 million GHICs due to expire this year, anyone travelling to Europe should check their card well before setting off. He noted that it is easy to overlook, particularly if the card has not been needed on previous trips.Knighton also highlighted that the rise in applications for Provisional Replacement Certificates (PRCs) shows people could find themselves needing unexpected healthcare abroad. He stressed that checking for a valid GHIC before travelling is an important part of trip preparation.A GHIC can be very useful for medically necessary state healthcare while abroad, but Knighton reminded travellers that it is not a substitute for travel insurance. There are costs and circumstances that a GHIC may not cover, so appropriate travel insurance can provide additional protection.He advised checking the expiry date on the GHIC before travelling and understanding what healthcare can be accessed at the destination. It is also worth arranging travel insurance as soon as a trip is booked and comparing policies carefully to ensure the level of medical and other cover suits individual needs.Rising Demand for Replacement CertificatesWhile GHIC applications fell by 20 per cent between 2023 and 2025, demand for PRCs moved in the opposite direction. PRC applications rose steadily over the same period, increasing by 31 per cent from 29,475 in 2023 to 38,610 in 2025.PRCs provide temporary proof of entitlement to necessary healthcare when someone is unable to present a valid GHIC. The contrasting trends highlight the continued importance of access to state healthcare while overseas, even as fewer people apply for GHICs.The figures serve as a reminder for UK travellers to check the expiry date on their GHIC and ensure they have adequate travel insurance before any trip abroad. With millions of cards in circulation and a significant number expiring this year, being prepared can prevent unexpected healthcare costs.