The Money Saving Expert has issued a timely reminder to holidaymakers to secure the UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) as a safeguard should emergencies arise. It can help you access state healthcare across numerous European nations, though he emphasises it should not serve as a replacement for travel insurance. Speaking at the National Money Assembly held at St Charles 6th Form College in London, Lewis urged anyone planning to visit the continent to apply for a GHIC before leaving the UK. He explained how the card is "totally free", and warned people against paying any third-party websites to acquire one.

"First of all, if you're going to Europe, you always get your GHIC card, your Global Health Insurance Card," he said. "That's totally free, never pay for it. This gives you treatment in a state-run hospital in a European Union country or equivalent at the same cost as a local - so if it's free for them, it's free for you.

"If you need to go and see the doctor when you're abroad and local people don't pay for the GP, you can go to the GP with your GHIC card. So you should make sure that you have one of those."

The NHS confirms that the GHIC covers medically necessary healthcare during a temporary stay in the EU and certain other countries. Nevertheless, it does not extend to private medical treatment, mountain rescue, repatriation to the UK or costs relating to lost or stolen belongings.

For this reason, Martin Lewis urges holidaymakers never to rely solely on the GHIC. He has encouraged travellers to arrange travel insurance the moment they book a holiday, pointing out that it protects them both before and during their trip.

He said basic travel insurance for a young person spending a week in Europe can frequently cost as little as £7 to £10. Martin added: "If you can afford the holiday, you can afford travel insurance."

His well-known rule of thumb is to take out travel insurance "ASAB" – as soon as you book. This is because policies can protect you should illness, injury or another unforeseen circumstance force you to cancel your holiday before you have even set off.

Applications for a GHIC are free via the official NHS website, and the vast majority of people can apply online. Anyone using a website that charges a fee is paying for a service they simply do not need, as the card itself is entirely free of charge.