MoneySavingExpert (MSE), the consumer advice website founded by journalist and broadcaster Martin Lewis, has issued an urgent travel warning to millions. In the latest Money Tips Email, the consumer experts offered advice for anyone booking holidays.

The advice said: “Summer is coming, and if you’re booked to go away and haven’t got your insurance yet, you need to do it NOW, today, straight away!” As the experts highlighted, taking out travel insurance the moment you book your holiday provides the greatest level of protection, including cover should anything arise that prevents you from travelling.

Holidaymakers heading to Europe are also being urged to obtain a Global Health Insurance Card before departure. MSE has warned that more than two million cards are set to expire this year, meaning countless travellers could lose out on vital benefits if they fail to renew before their trips.

The UK Global Health Insurance Card allows travellers to access healthcare abroad without paying any more than a local resident would across the European Economic Area, reports the Mirror.

The NHS states: “The UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) lets you get necessary state healthcare in the European Economic Area (EEA), and some other countries, on the same basis as a resident of that country. This may be free or it may require a payment equivalent to that which a local resident would pay.

“The UK GHIC has replaced the existing European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). If you have an existing EHIC you can continue to use it until the expiry date on the card. Once it expires, you’ll need to apply for a UK GHIC to replace it.”

Travellers still need travel insurance, but the card could prevent people from paying the excess if they need medical treatment during their trip. MSE said: “Going to the EU? Ensure you’ve a valid (free) GHIC/EHIC – over 2m expire this year.

“The ‘Global Health Insurance Card’ (GHIC) and its predecessor, the EHIC, give access to state-run hospitals or GPs, mainly in European countries, for the same price as a local. So if they don’t pay, you don’t either. Over two million expire this year, check yours.”

A UK GHIC is free, and you can apply through the NHS website. The NHS advises avoiding unofficial websites, which may charge an application fee. People can apply for a new card up to nine months before their current card expires.

The NHS said: “After you’ve submitted your application, we’ll email you within 24 hours to let you know whether it has been approved or not (if you don’t get a reply, check your junk folder). We may need to see additional information or documents before approving it. Once your application has been approved, you should receive your new card within 15 working days. It will be sent to you by post.”