Martin Lewis issues urgent warning to Brits travelling to Spain, France & other hotspots this summer

MARTIN Lewis has issued an urgent warning to Brits travelling to Spain and France this summer.

The personal finance guru explained how changing regulations around two essential documents could leave Brits in the lurch.

First of all, he addressed the transition from the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC).

The cards guarantee British tourists access to state-run hospitals and GPs in all the covered countries at the same price as locals.

All EU countries are covered, as well as Norway, Iceland, Lichtenstein and Switzerland.

Martin explained that 5.4 million of the old EHICs are set to expire this year.

They can be renewed at nhs.uk for free.

Martin said: "To renew it, it is always free.

"If anybody is charging you, they are a shyster trying to steal your money.

"There is no such thing as a fast track."

The cards are always advisable, he added, as they could prevent you from needing to pay the excess on your travel insurance.

If you are caught short without one on holiday, you can contact the NHS and ask for a provisional replacement certificate.

Secondly, Martin discussed the requirements for passports to remain valid.

He explained the passport must be under ten years old on the day you enter the country and that you have at least 6 months left on the document from the same day.

Martin added that the Passport Office currently advises people to allow "up to 10 weeks" for a renewal, though he had heard of longer delays.

He said: "Let me be plain...the travel insurance company will not allow you to claim if [an invalid passport] is the reason you can't go on holiday.

It comes as one viewer shared how the money saving expert helped him save £2,000 on a holiday with a travel insurance tip.

Martin's show returned tonight for the second of a two-part special series, this time focussing on summer holiday tips.

As well as travel insurance, he advised viewers on the best debit and credit cards to use both in and outside of the EU and how to get the best exchange rates.

The show will return for a full series in October.

Here, we break down everything you need to check on your passport to avoid missing your holiday.

Expiry date

The first thing all passengers should check is the expiry date on their passport.

Some countries require you to have at least three months left on your passport by the date you intend to return home.

Since the UK left the EU, Brits now need to have at least three months left on their passport to be able to travel to Europe.

Save yourself any last-minute stress by checking the travel requirements for your destination either with the airline you're travelling with, or the .

Start date

The start date - or 'date of issue' - is the next thing to be checked on your passport to avoid any last-minute chaos.

This is because new rules no longer allow Brits to have passports that have more than 10 years left on them.

Previously, UK passport holders could roll over up to nine months from their previous documents - these are no longer valid, meaning the expiry date may not be the real expiry date.

Instead, you should make sure the start date is 10 years or less when you are travelling.

Any damage

While well-travelled people might take pride in a slightly worn passport, if it's in too bad of a condition then you could be refused travel.

A number of travellers have been turned away from their flights due to their passports have some damage to them.

The Government website warns: "You must replace your passport if it has more than reasonable wear and tear because you may not be allowed to travel with it."

This can be anything from a bit of water damage or slightly torn pages, to missing pages or large rips.

Make sure the pasport isn't full either - some countries require a full page for the exit and entry stamp, like Turkey.

If you need to renew your passport, it can be done online, costing £75.50, or via a paper application form available at the Post Office for £85.

Brits are being urged to apply for new passports now ahead of a 'spring surge' later this year.