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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Aibu to remind you all to check your passports

144 replies

Theimpossiblegirl · 18/04/2018 08:28

Just that really. Every year we have the panic as holidays draw near and people realise they have expired.
I just renewed mine and dds but hadn't realised mine needed doing until I checked.
Online is cheaper now too.
If posting this saves just one person getting to that awful panic of trying to get it done last minute I'll be happy. :)

OP posts:
MrsHathaway · 18/04/2018 12:03

Mine was an adult renewal so we just sent digital photos electronically.

DC's was a child renewal so needed physical photos countersigned.

lostherenow · 18/04/2018 12:03

Mine expired years ago in my maiden name. No plans to go abroad so don't want to pay the huge cost for one. And without finding the old one i have to start the whole application again. Plan to take DSs to Canada for a big holiday in about 10 years so if you could remind me then...

FleurDelacoeur · 18/04/2018 12:04

I did mine online, really easy if your appearance hasn't changed enormously as you don't need it countersigned.

Taking the selfie was the most challenging bit - top tip is to stand away from the wall as I was too close and my pic kept getting rejected for being shadowy.

Felyne · 18/04/2018 12:22

Thank you - just checked DS's EHIC and it has expired, I renewed his passport last week so should have really checked then.

Mydoghatesthebath · 18/04/2018 12:27

Good points op! What annoys me is the ridiculous fit person bit to sign the passport.

As a company director I sign my mates and she signs mine but it seems so bloody outdated and faffy now.

Remember EHIPs are free although some websites try to charge

justforthisthread101 · 18/04/2018 12:30

Capn Haddock thank you! I just checked our EHICs and they run out on Monday.

I've been vaguely aware of it but hadn't done anything about it.

this is a very good public service announcement..

Ginkypig · 18/04/2018 12:30

How do I get hold of my chi (Scotlands version of the NHS) number?

It says I need that to apply for a ehic card.

Iv looked online but must be stupid as I can't seem to find an answer.

BennyTheBall · 18/04/2018 12:30

Just renewed my son's.

Couldn't have been easier - did it online, took photo with phone. It didn't need countersignature, despite the fact it's his first 10 year one.

viques · 18/04/2018 12:35

Thanks for this thread! have found ehic card-was in the third place I looked- and it expired in February, so off to renew.

dementedpixie · 18/04/2018 12:36

Use your NI number for the EHIC application

Fintress · 18/04/2018 12:36

How do I get hold of my chi (Scotlands version of the NHS) number?

You can get it from your GP surgery

Mydoghatesthebath · 18/04/2018 12:38

Yes was just about to say GP surgery would tell you

dementedpixie · 18/04/2018 12:40

You can use your NI number instead of the CHI number

pigmcpigface · 18/04/2018 12:40

I was complacently thinking "Oh, I've SO got this under control", then saw @dementedpixie 's post about the EHIC.

Ahem.

I have a shiny new EHIC winging its way to me. Thanks for the reminder.

justforthisthread101 · 18/04/2018 12:43

@thatmustbenigelwiththebrie some people just aren't wired that way. I've never (and would never) let it happen but it happened to my mother about 20 years ago, despite the fact that she travelled several times a year. She hadn't (at that stage) travelled outside the EU for years, it was before airlines required you to give your passport details before you travelled and she just hadn't looked. I guess with a family and a busy job, it just got away from her and it didn't feel like 10 years had passed.

I do think it's less likely to happen now as you have to actually look at the date more often.

ParisUSM · 18/04/2018 12:49

@Bringmejavabringmejoy You don't put your name on the back of the photos if it is a renewal, don't know about a 1st application though.

swisscheeseontoast · 18/04/2018 13:02

Also don't forget to give yourself plenty of time to arrange necessary travel vaccinations and Malaria tablets if going long haul.

user1484040234 · 18/04/2018 13:15

Does anyone know the cutoff date for getting a burgundy passport? I've got 2 years left on mine but I know I'll have to renew it early to get one.

Annamadrigal · 18/04/2018 13:19

Can I just ask- do you still need an EHIC card/number if you have travel insurance? Thanks

gingercat02 · 18/04/2018 13:22

If you do both pp and EHIC online they send you a reminder when they are due to expire

Annamadrigal · 18/04/2018 13:33

(sorry for stupid question, first holiday abroad in years coming up!)

CapnHaddock · 18/04/2018 13:37

@Annamadrigal - EHIC means that there is a reciprocal right to state healthcare in other European countries. While you might be covered by your travel insurance, I'd rather not take the chance or have the hassle! Some insurers also won't cover you for things that should have been covered by the EHIC. Your travel insurance will cover you for things like the cost of flying you home which EHIC won't.

It's free so you may as well :)

BitOutOfPractice · 18/04/2018 13:38

Anna I think that if you have an EHIC card you don't have to pay on the spot (I never have when I've been treated in the EU) whereas with Travel Insurance you pay yourself upfront then they reimburse you, minus an excess.

Of course TI covers you for more than health so you need both I think

Annamadrigal · 18/04/2018 13:40

Ta! I remember having one in the past but totally forgot this time round. will get on it!

Bringmejavabringmejoy · 18/04/2018 13:42

@ParisUSM - thank you!