Do I Need A GHIC Card?

Brexit meant the end of the free European Health Insurance Card (EHIC card) for UK residents. This was replaced by a new Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC card.) (EU citizens living in the UK will have continued access to the EHIC scheme.) In this article we want to look at what the differences between the GHIC/EHIC cards are and if you need a GHIC Card for your next holiday…

What is the difference between a GHIC & EHIC Card?

Not a lot! Both the EHIC & GHIC card entitle you to medical treatment at state-run hospitals and surgeries in the EU at the same cost that locals are charged. This means if locals get free treatment so will you and if they have to pay so will you…

The only difference, apart from the name, is that it doesn’t cover non-EU countries such as Lichtenstein, Iceland and Norway that were previously part of the EHIC scheme. Despite being named a Global Health Insurance Card it only covers EU member states and Switzerland…

Do I Need A GHIC Card?

If you already have an EHIC card you can continue to use it until its expiry date and it will still be valid there is no need to replace it with a GHIC until then. You can apply for a new one up to 6 months prior to your EHIC expiring.

If you haven’t got either card it is highly recommended that you apply for one within plenty of time of your trip. One of the big perks of having the card in addition to travel insurance is that state-care rather than privately funded (which is travel insurance) doesn’t have a long list of exclusions of things they won’t cover/treat you for…

You can apply for one here – https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/healthcare-abroad/apply-for-a-free-uk-global-health-insurance-card-ghic/

Conclusion

A GHIC is an essential part of any trip to EU member states & Switzerland BUT it IS NOT a replacement for travel insurance. It gives you access to state-run health care only. It will not cover holiday cancellation or curtailment, repatriation or other potential costs. You need to ensure you have adequate travel insurance for any trip you take.

You can read more about the card/apply for one here – https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/healthcare-abroad/apply-for-a-free-uk-global-health-insurance-card-ghic/