Assuming you are going to be doing a type rating on a turboprop or jet of some description then no, you dont need to have a current MEP rating. You will get a new rating on your licence when you finish the TR. To start the type rating course however, you WILL need a current MEIR. If your MEP and MEIR ratings expire at the same time then just renew the MEIR. If its a first time renewal then you can do it in the sim...much cheaper obviously than hiring MEP.