Up to five years
The EHIC is valid for up to five years. Check that your EHIC is still valid before you travel. You can renew an EHIC up to six months before the expiry date. However, any time left on the card will not be added to your new card. Renewing your card is free and you can do it online if none of your personal details have changed. You can apply online for an EHIC, which is free of charge. You can also apply by phoning the automated service on 0300 3301350, or you can download the EHIC application form (PDF, 122kb) and return it to the NHS Business Services Authority (see address below). The quickest way is to apply online. Your EHIC will normally arrive within seven days and will usually be valid for five years. Renewing your EHIC. You can renew your EHIC up to six months before the expiry date. The quickest way to renew it is online. You can also renew it by phone or post, but this takes longer. You can apply for an EHIC online or by calling the automated EHIC application service on 0300 3301350. You can also download an application form (PDF, 122kb) and apply by post. Renewing your EHIC. You can renew your EHIC up to six months before the expiry date. The quickest way to renew it is online. You can also renew it by phone or post, but this takes longer. Only treatment provided under the state scheme is covered. However, to obtain treatment you will need to take a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) with you. Please note: Not all UK residents are covered in Denmark, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland. Click on the 'Health Advice for Travellers' link below, if you are unsure whether you are covered. 1 The EHIC is not a substitute or replacement for private travel insurance. 2  You should always take out an appropriate private policy in addition to carrying your EHIC. 3  It will not cover the costs of private healthcare or services that are not part of the state healthcare system. You don’t need to wait until your insurance card expires before you apply for a renewal: you can replace your card up to six months prior to the end date. Extra time won’t be carried over to your new card, so bear this in mind; each card is valid for five years from the date of issue. If you know that you’re travelling soon, be sure to check the date on your card and apply for a renewed EHIC if needed. You’ll get the peace of mind that comes from knowing you’re covered in an emergency and can access the help you need. You can apply online at www.dh.gov.uk/travellers for delivery within 7 days, by telephone (0845 606 2030) for delivery within 10 days and via the Post Office for delivery within 21 days. An EHIC is valid for up to 5 years depending on when it was issued. You will need to apply for a new one before the expiry date. You can apply up to 6 months before the expiry date by telephone or online. For more information visit www.dh.gov.uk.  The EHIC is valid for five years. As a valued Flexicover policyholder, you will have no excess to pay when the EHIC is used. Please remember to take your EHIC with you when you travel and check that it is still valid, as you are required to present it for medical treatment. Each traveller will require a card. The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) entitles UK residents access to necessary, state provided medical treatment, during a temporary visit in the European Economic Area (EEA) countries and Switzerland-at a reduced cost or free of charge. If you’re travelling to a participating European Union or European Economic Area country, you’ll want to know that you’re covered for every eventuality. A valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is your proof of eligibility for overseas healthcare, and you should make sure that you never travel without yours. If you know that you’re travelling soon, be sure to check the date on your card and apply for a renewed EHIC if needed. You’ll get the peace of mind that comes from knowing you’re covered in an emergency and can access the help you need. Do they need to apply? Yes-the EHIC is individual and you will need to obtain an EHIC for each of your children. Please note that our system will accept applications on a single form for up to 2 adults and up to 4 dependent children for only one fee (£21.99 standard (10-14 days) or £26.99 express (5-7 days)).  In some cases, even if a person is covered by the health insurance of an EU country, one is not eligible for a European Health Insurance Card. For instance, in Romania, a person who is currently insured has to have been insured for the previous five years to be eligible. 
http://www.nhsdirect.wales.nhs.uk/travelhealth/EHIC/?print=1 http://www.nhs.uk/chq/Pages/1073.aspx?CategoryID=68 http://www.nhs.uk/chq/Pages/1073.aspx?CategoryID=68 https://www.e111.org.uk/about.html https://www.ukehic.com/how-long-is-my-ehic-valid-for/ http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/holidays/article-1690800/EHIC-European-Health-Insurance-Card--How-apply.html http://www.flexicover.co.uk/Page/EHIC https://www.ukehic.com/how-long-is-my-ehic-valid-for/ http://www.ehicservices.co.uk/faqs.html https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_Health_Insurance_Card
how long is a ehic card valid for