Request

I am making an FOI request for the following information: The total number of UK-issued European Health Insurance Cards (EHICs) that are due to expire during the calendar year 2026. If any part of this request cannot be fulfilled, please provide the data in a format that is available. If the information is held by another public authority, I would be grateful if you could advise me accordingly.

Response

I can confirm that the NHSBSA holds the information you have requested.

Please read the below notes to ensure correct understanding of the data.

In addition to the UK issued Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), there are two types of European Health Insurance cards (EHICs) which are/have been issued by the UK. We have included information for each card below.

European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)

EHICs provide access to state-funded, medically necessary healthcare cover in European Union (EU) countries and some countries outside the EU. They were replaced by the UK GHIC on 1 January 2021. However, existing EHICs remain valid until their expiry date.

The total number of EHICs due to expire during the calendar year 2026 is 926,954.

UK EHIC

UK EHICs provide access to state-funded, medically necessary healthcare in the EU and some countries outside the EU. They were introduced on 10 November 2020. Those who are covered under the Withdrawal Agreement may be eligible for a UK EHIC.

The total number of UK EHICs due to expire during the calendar year 2026 is 157,866.

UK GHIC

The UK GHIC provides access to state-funded, medically necessary healthcare in the EU, EEA (European Economic Area), for most people in Switzerland and some countries outside of the EU. It was introduced on 1 January 2021. Those who ordinarily live in the UK or are holders of a registered UK S1 form may be eligible for a UK GHIC.

The total number of UK GHICs due to expire during the calendar year 2026 is 1,285,250.

This data was compiled on 6 January 2026 and covers the period from 1 January 2026 to 31 December 2026.

Data Queries

Please contact foirequests@nhsbsa.nhs.uk ensuring you quote the above reference if you have any specific questions regarding this response; or, if you feel you may be misunderstanding or misinterpreting the information; or, if you plan on publishing the data.

Reusing the data and copyright

If you plan on producing a press or broadcast story based upon the data please contact communicationsteam@nhsbsa.nhs.uk This is important to ensure that the figures are not misunderstood or misrepresented.

The information supplied to you continues to be protected by the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 and is subject to NHSBSA copyright. This information is licenced under the terms of the Open Government Licence detailed at:

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3/

Should you wish to re-use the information you must include the following statement: “NHSBSA Copyright 2026”. Failure to do so is a breach of the terms of the licence.

Information you receive which is not subject to NHSBSA Copyright continues to be protected by the copyright of the person, or organisation, from which the information originated. Please obtain their permission before reproducing any third party (non NHSBSA Copyright) information.