MSE News: Three million let their EHIC expire...

NoodleDoodleMan

The lack of renewal reminder is going to be the key reason

Correct, rather than deliberately allowing the EHIC to lapse.

I suspect the vast majority of cardholders are unaware of the expiry date.

kathrynha

NoodleDoodleMan wrote: »

Correct, rather than deliberately allowing the EHIC to lapse.

I suspect the vast majority of cardholders are unaware of the expiry date.

I would think most are aware that there is an expiry date, but only check it when they have a trip coming up. Bit like a passport. you know it runs out, but you don't generally know when, or bother renewing it automatically. You just check the date when you book a trip.

NoodleDoodleMan

I would think most are aware that there is an expiry date, but only check it when they have a trip coming up. Bit like a passport. you know it runs out, but you don't generally know when, or bother renewing it automatically

You need to give passport details when you book a holiday, so that provides a heads up if there is a potential problem with expiry - at least I can't think of any in recent(ish) years when we haven't had to provide such.

Nobody asks for EHIC though in my experience, so it can slip under the radar.

I had to go and check ours this morning to ensure both are still within "use by" date !!!

The other issue (I suspect) is that most punters are uncertain on what kind of treatment it does and doesn't cover........me included.

mgdavid

NoodleDoodleMan wrote: »

You need to give passport details when you book a holiday, .........

Not if you self-arrange (and per the frequent advice on here why would anyone use a travel agent?), you can book the flights and accommodation and add the passenger info later on. I usually do it at the seat allocation / selection stage.

Lorian

A more interesting question I think is - when I renew mine next year will the new one last for five years too?

NoodleDoodleMan

Not if you self-arrange (and per the frequent advice on here why would anyone use a travel agent?), you can book the flights and accommodation and add the passenger info later on

Well spotted, I wasn't precise enough - I meant when it comes to entering passport details for flights etc. - that's when you might get a unwelcome reminder of its validity.

There are key advantages of booking a package holiday with the big brand outfits.

I witnessed the disadvantages of DIY in Malta, April 2010 with guests in our hotel who had made their own flight and accommodation arrangements.

Fortunately we had booked with Thomas Cook and had no such problems.