GHIC card: What it is and how to get one

Key takeaways:

• The GHIC card gives UK residents access to state-provided healthcare while travelling in the EU and participating countries.

• It replaced the EHIC for most UK residents after Brexit.

• The card is completely free and should only be applied for through the official NHS website.

• Having a GHIC can save you time, stress, and unexpected medical costs abroad. But, it's not a replacement for travel insurance. For the best protection, it's worth having both.

What is the UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC)?

The GHIC is your ticket to essential healthcare when visiting the European Union. Think of it as your safety net for medical needs, whether it's a sudden illness or unexpected injury, without having to worry about huge bills.

After Brexit, the GHIC replaced the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for most UK residents, ensuring continued access to state-funded healthcare across participating countries. The card is free, easy to apply for and should only be obtained via the NHS website to avoid scams or fees.

In short, if you're planning a trip within the EU, the GHIC is a small card that can make a big difference.

What is the difference between an EHIC and a GHIC card?

Still got an EHIC card lying around? Don't worry - it's good until it expires.

Existing EHIC cards remain valid until their expiry date, but most UK residents now use the GHIC for state-provided healthcare abroad. New EHICs are only available to EU nationals living in the UK or UK students studying in the EU.

The main difference between an EHIC and a GHIC is coverage. The GHIC works in more countries and is valid in some places outside of Europe, while the EHIC is limited to the EU. The UK is also negotiating with additional countries to expand the GHIC's reach.

So, if your EHIC is still in date, you can keep using it - but anyone travelling from the UK now should get a GHIC to ensure coverage in more destinations.

Where can you use your GHIC or EHIC?

The GHIC and EHIC cover different countries, so it's important to know which card works where. Always check the NHS website for the latest list before you travel.

GHIC countries

The GHIC is valid in:

• All EEA countries (European Economic Area - this covers the EU and Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein)

• Switzerland

• A few additional countries, such as Australia, Montenegro and Jersey (these are limited arrangements - check NHS guidance).

EHIC countries

The EHIC is valid in:

• All EEA countries

• Switzerland

If you already have a valid EHIC, you can continue using it in these countries until it expires.

What does a GHIC card cover?

The GHIC gives UK residents access to medically necessary, state-provided healthcare while travelling in the EU and certain other countries.

'Medically necessary' means treatment you need while abroad that cannot wait until you return home. It's a common misconception that the EHIC and GHIC provide you with free healthcare while you're travelling. This isn't always the case - you pay the same price as a citizen of the country you're travelling to. So, if citizens get free state-level healthcare, you should too. If they pay a fee, so will you.

Key coverage includes:

• Emergency treatment for sudden illness or injury

• Pre-existing conditions, as long as the trip isn't specifically for treatment

• Routine maternity care, as long as you're not planning to give birth abroad

• Visits to doctors, clinics and hospitals where state-provided care is offered

In short, the GHIC covers essential healthcare you need while travelling, so you're not left facing large bills if something goes wrong.

What isn't covered by a GHIC or EHIC?

While the GHIC is useful, it doesn't replace travel insurance. You'll still need coverage for things the card doesn't cover.

Not covered:

• Private healthcare or private hospital fees

• Repatriation to the UK

• Mountain rescue or emergency evacuation

• Lost luggage or personal belongings

• Trip cancellations or delays

Having both a GHIC/EHIC and travel insurance gives the best protection. The card takes care of essential healthcare, while travel insurance covers the rest - making sure your trip is worry-free.

How to apply for a GHIC card

Applying for a GHIC card is quick, simple and free - but it must be done through the official NHS website. Be careful - unofficial sites may try to charge a fee, but always remember there's no need to pay for your card.

Step by step GHIC card application:

• Go to the NHS website for the GHIC application

• Enter your personal details - including your full name, date of birth, national insurance number and contact details.

• Include details for any additional applicants if you're applying on behalf of a partner or child under the age of 16.

• Submit your application online. You'll receive your GHIC in the post - usually within a few weeks.

That's it! Once your card arrives, you'll be ready to access state-provided healthcare in the EU and other covered countries.

Key tips:

• Always apply via the NHS, never through third party websites

• You can apply for a free GHIC online for yourself, a partner or children under 16

• Keep your national insurance number handy to speed up the process

What if your GHIC or EHIC is lost, stolen, or hasn't arrived?

If your GHIC is lost, stolen or hasn't arrived before your trip, you can request a provisional replacement certificate (PRC) to access state-provided healthcare while abroad.

To get a PRC, you'll need:

• Full name and date of birth

• National insurance number

• Address and contact details

• Details of any children or partners covered by your application

The PRC can be issued even if your card simply hasn't arrived in time for your trip. Once you're back in the UK, you can apply for a replacement card through the NHS website. This will make sure you've got a full, official GHIC ready for your next trip.

Can a GHIC card cover pre-existing medical conditions?

The GHIC does cover medically necessary treatment for pre-existing conditions, as long as your trip isn't specifically for treatment.

But, this doesn't replace travel insurance. You should always declare pre-existing conditions to your insurance provider, as they can provide more comprehensive coverage, including:

• Repatriation to the UK

• Private healthcare

• Emergency evacuation or specialist treatment abroad

Travel insurance will also cover you for non-medical issues, like travel cancellations, disruptions and lost luggage.

Having both a GHIC and travel insurance gives you the strongest protection and reassurance you're covered while travelling. Some travel insurers state that you must use a GHIC alongside travel insurance when accessing essential medical care. So, it's important to double check you've got a valid GHIC before you set off.