Martin Lewis warns millions of people heading abroad to take action before travelling

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

Martin has issued an urgent warning for travellers to avoid major complications from health while abroad. Speaking on the latest episode of the Martin Lewis Money Show Live, he highlighted that over four million travellers will lose their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) this year.

The card, which is now being replaced by the Global Health Insurance Card in the UK, allows anyone with health insurance or a similar protection scheme to receive medical treatment in another country as if they were a local.

A major benefit from the card is that in some cases, healthcare may be free depending on the treatment received. Other travellers have also reported that the card allows them to reclaim money from local authorities for treatment after filling in a form after resenting the card. Read more: Martin Lewis' pension advice that could boost finances by as much as £80,000 Martin said: "If you're going to the European Union, you want a valid EHIC or its replacement the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC)." He added: "There are 4.3 million EHICS that expire this year, they're being replaced by the Global Health Insurance Card - it's basically the same card it's just got the word 'global' instead of 'European' it does the same thing in the same countries, in virtually all cases. "What it means is if you've got one of those then you get treatment in an EU State run hospital or GPs at the same cost as a local.

So if they don't pay, you don't pay. "Lots of them are out of date...if you don't have one by the way or if you lose it there are ways even if you're abroad and have a really big problem getting one but it's far easier to have the card." Martin also stressed the fact that travellers should not be paying for their GHIC and