Oops, I'm abroad already in EU & just noticed my EHIC card is expired

[YeOldeTrout]

is there any way to truly renew it online now, so that it's valid before I get home to put my hands on a renewed card? We are back in the UK on Saturday.

Thanks in advance if anyone knows.

You can renew it online.

Yes, but I wouldn't panic. If you need to use your EHIC - unlikely - you can contact tthe NHS for a Provisional Replacement Certificate. This is a "one-off" authorisation for treatment, then you renew in the standard way when you get home.

Yes, renew online now. Card arrives in a few days.

If you can have someone open your post (comes in a buff envelope, that just looks like a govt one) they can send you a pic. That shouid work if you need to show it - they need the reference numbers, not the actual piece of plastic.

If you don't have the current ref number, you might have a bit of a time proving you are eligible but it can be done. If you don't renew, it all becomes a bit of a buggers muddle.

(Can't you tell I have just been through similar!)

thanks for advice, ok, will do. I suspect it will arrive the day I get back, and then waste of plastic given expected events in 10 weeks, but is worth a try.

Yes if you renew online now you are covered even if you dont have the actual card on you. Just make a note of the expiry date. The number may even be the same as before if not obvs make a note of it.

I’m sure they send you a temporary number when you apply online. I could be wrong.

www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/healthcare-abroad/apply-for-a-free-ehic-european-health-insurance-card/
Have a look through above.

Have you got travel insurance? You wouldn't need the ehic card if you have travel insurance to cover you until you are home.

I believe the travel insurance is invalid without an EHIC card, tbh.
Thanks for the suggestions.

I believe the travel insurance is invalid without an EHIC card, tbh.
I don't think so. According to info online. Travel insurance covers much more than EHIC. EHIC is a safety net in an emergency situation but travel insurance is much more important. You should still reapply for an up to date EHIC but your travel insurance is sufficient until you get home. Hopefully you won't need either and have a lovely holiday.

You can renew it online. That will be enough to get treatment if required.

Hopefully not.

Re travel insurance - yes of course you need it but if the traveller hasn't sorted out a EHIC the insurance company can be difficult about paying out.

It probably varies by policy but my travel insurance specifically says that having a valid EHIC card is a condition of the insurance.

Travel insurance has already been a hassle.... I found the cheapest flights with Opodo, hate organising holidays anyway so also bought travel insurance with Opodo when offered. Then we wanted to change our itinerary slightly so wanted to ring insurer to figure out if still covered for neighbouring country. The help line number on the certificate was invalid. DH spent hours on phone ringing round & going in circles. We think we know who to claim to if we need to claim, but still not sure we'd be covered in which country.

I gave up & bought insurance thru Post Office as well.
Lesson: Never buy travel insurance from Opodo. Not sure I'd ever buy anything again from Opodo, tbh.

Oh and gosh, never take a problem like this to Trip Advisor. The posters there are well nasty just shouting at people that they were stupid and reckless for any mistake they ever made when travelling -- or so it seemed when I browsed threads on there about almost any problem & especially with Opodo. Makes MN nest of Vipers seem like angels, daisies & buttercups.

Where are you? If, for example in Spain, you will immediately be issued with a temporary card and they will look after you.

Just need passport.

Obvs, don't know about other countries.

You can request a Provisional Replacement Certificate which logs that you are covered; then if you need any treatment there’s a phone number you can call to confirm to the place treating you that you are covered

I needed treatment in Canaries but had lost card. The hospital made me phone the helpline to arrange the provisional certificate and then come back in an hour when it had been faxed through. I was a bit but it came through and I got treatment needed.