This should help clarify Zerograv, From EASA regs, The UK allthough no longer EASA currently follow the 2 and 5 years as below.
(1) If the holder of a medical certificate does not comply with point (b), a renewal
examination and assessment, as applicable, shall be required. (2) In the case of class 1 and class 2 medical certificates: (i) if the medical certificate has expired for less than 2 years, a routine revalidation
aero-medical examination shall be performed; (ii) if the medical certificate has expired for more than 2 years but less than 5 years,
the AeMC or AME shall only conduct the renewal aero-medical examination after
assessment of the aero-medical records of the applicant; (iii) if the medical certificate has expired for more than 5 years, the aero-medical
examination requirements for initial issue shall apply and the assessment shall be
based on the revalidation requirements.