Martin Lewis issues WARNING: Brit holidaymakers must check EHIC cards before going abroad

The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) gives you access to GPs or state hospitals in the EU at the same price as a local, yet more than five million are out-of date and invalid. 

Speaking on This Morning, Martin advised people to check the expiry date (point nine) on the bottom right of your card now. 

He said: “If it’s already expired, or is about to, renew it now by applying on the EHIC website, or by calling 0300 330 1350.” 

Those who need a new one should remember not to pay for it. 

Martin, 45, said: “They’re free and any site charging you is a con – even if it’s promising a fast track.

“Generally, it’ll take about seven to 10 days for it to come through, but it can be quicker.” 

Families should also remember tat kids must have their own cards. 

The Money Saving Expert mentioned some other top tips for if you’re going on holiday this summer. 

You don’t need to show your boarding pass in airport shops, except at duty free. 

He said: “There’s no legal or security requirement for you to show your boarding pass in any airport shop, with the exception of Duty Free (you must show it there whatever you’re buying). 

“They ask because if you are travelling outside of the European Union (your boarding pass proves this), the shop can reclaim the VAT paid. 

“Yet this VAT should really (in my view) be passed back to the customer. So I believe you should make a point and politely decline showing them your pass unless they do. 

“Thankful as this campaign has been running a couple of years, it’s already started to have an impact. For example, if you’re travelling outside the EU then WHI Smiths and Boots do for individual items over £6 and £5.”

Martin also advised that if you want to take cash on holiday, don’t leave it until the airport.

The airport knows you’re a captive customer and will bump up the price. 

If you’ve left it latest least pre-order for airport pick up and you’ll get better rates. 

better still, use a travel money comparison site like Martin’s ‘TravelMoneyMax’ which will find you the best rates.